Stow 'n Go

Chrysler Group spent $400 million to accommodate a 2-row, fold-in-the-floor seating system for its '05 family of minivans, updating a platform that will continue to serve as the underpinnings for its next minivan, due out within the next two years.

The massive changes to the underbody structure technically do not constitute a new platform, says Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler chief operating officer. But it is enough of a redo that he is calling it “all new” and says it means Chrysler will not need a new platform in a couple years.

“It was a big project and investment, a big tear-up, but it is not a waste,” says Bernhard. “We will use it for the next-generation minivan.”

The investment does not delay the timing of the all-new model — rather it gives it a running headstart. The innovative seating, emphasis on cabin quiet and additional safety features can migrate seamlessly into future models.

The auto maker says it decided to make the mid-model investment to remain competitive in a segment where hideaway seating has become the price of entry. It leaves General Motors Corp. as the only major auto maker without the feature.

“This is shut-up time for everybody else,” says Bernhard.

Minivans with the “Stow ‘n Go” seating system go into production at Chrysler's Windsor, Ont., Canada, assembly plant in early January with delivery to dealers in March.

The seating system, which took 18 months to develop and can be configured in 250 different ways, will only be offered in long-wheelbase models of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. Short-wheelbase and stretch models without the seating system will continue to be manufactured at Chrysler's St. Louis, MO, assembly plant.

“Stow 'n Go” was developed, and is patented, by Chrysler engineers, at a cost of $221 million. It was executed by Intier Automotive Inc. and uses a high-density foam developed by NASA. The 60/40 split folding rear seat is an industry first. It can be flipped rearward for tailgate parties. And the headrests need not be removed for stowing.

Chrysler redesigned the floorpan to include two bins to accommodate the folding rows. While the second row seats are in use, covers create a false floor over the storage bin below. The new seating system adds 12 cu.-ft. (0.34 cu.-m) of storage space.

The mini spare tire was moved under the front-passenger seat (a winch system retrieves it); the fuel tank moves under the third row and the muffler was moved.

All-wheel drive is being abandoned in the new year. “That second tub has to extend to the ground plane, which rules out AWD,” says Eric Ridenour, executive vice president-product development. Bernhard says the 3% take rate for AWD made the decision easier. That leaves the new Toyota Sienna as one of the few minivans to offer it.

Another $40 million was spent to reduce cabin noise an additional 16%. Chrysler engineers worked with Materials Sciences Corp. to make the seat tubs out of Quiet Steel — its first application in a minivan.

Pricing will be announced in the new year. Chrysler says it expects to have the lowest-priced minivan on the market in the '05 model year.