Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 12, 1993 TAG: 9312150297
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: F4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Greg Edwards
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Kaplan attributed the continuing popularity of the versatile vehicle to its ability to handle both passengers and cargo and continuing efforts to improve it. Dual airbags werer introduced this year as standard equipment on the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans, for instance.
The minivans have won over customer loyalty, with some families on their third or fourth minivan, Kaplan said. The Chrysler Corp. doesn't make traditional station wagons anymore. The most popular color van this year is an emerald green model, Kaplan said, with teal blue coming in second.
Lewis Peters, vice president and general manager of Fulton Motors in Raonoke: "It's our No. 1 seller," he said of the Plymouth Voyager minivan. "Women like to drive these because they're easier for them to drive. It's not like a truck; it's more like a car."
Robert Jones, used -car manager at Franklin Ford in Rocky Mount: "They're just a good all-around vehicle, you know; all the women like them." Minivans tend to hold their value better than a car, he added.
Franklin Ford sells new Dodge and Plymouth minivans in addition to the Ford Aerostar. Jones said the Chrysler Corp. products tend to be more popular because of their front-wheel drive.
A new minivan will cost anywhere from $16,000 for a basic, four-cylinder model to $30,000 for a top-of-the-line Chrysler Town & Country van, Jones said.
by CNB