al ht eS A Chrysler Celebrates 25 Years Of Minivan neaeeren (NAPSA)—After introducing the minivan 25 years ago, manufacturers are responding to the milestone with greatly improved models that feature enhanced seating andstorage systems, transmissions designed to offer smoother shifting and better fuel economy. That can be good news for those who want a minivan that can offer the latest in convenience, fuel savings andstyle. The originator—Chrysler LLC —continues to perfect its family hauler, now in its fifth generation. With more than a quarter-century of engineering and technology, Chrysler has created more than 65 minivan-first features over the last 25 years, while continuing to introduce minivans year after year that deliver the features, unmatched versatility and fuel efficiency families shopping for a minivan are lookingfor. The new 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, for one, presents a contemporary appearance, three different models, two distinct seating and storage systems, state-of-theart entertainment systems and safety features. The vehicle has 40 new and improved features over the previous generation, including a 4.0liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transmission and more standard equipment such as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). A retuned six-speed transmission and higher numerical first gear means the engine speed changes less with each shift, creating a smooth driving dynamic, with improved fuel economy. The end result is an EPA fuel economy label of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg The latest +t generation of minivans is aimed at those seeking even better mileage, power, responsiveness and convenience. highway that is unbeaten in the minivan segment—quite impres- sive considering the vehicle’s seven-passenger accommodations and cargo space. Safety has also been addressed in the new design, resulting in the vehicle receiving the U.S. government’s Five Star Crash Test rating in both front and side impacts. For added convenience, the Swivel ’n Go seating system offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor and the second row, third-row uncovered storage, and fold-in-the-floor third row. Said Larry Lyons, vice president—Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC, “With an improved 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a minivan-first sixspeed transmission, no other minivan has better fuel economy. Weoptimized both the engine and the transmission to give our cus- tomers the fuel economy they want and the power and responsiveness they expect.” To learn more, visit www. chrysler.com.
