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Auburn Hills Today
By the People, for the People
Chrysler CEO Sees 'Resurgence' in Minivan Demand
Chrysler's sole remaining model, the Pacifica, is expected to see growing sales, according to the brand's CEO.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:05pm
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As minivan sales show signs of a resurgence, the dynamic visual style captures the vehicle's blend of modern engineering and family-friendly utility.Auburn Hills TodayChrysler and Dodge CEO Matt McAlear says the minivan market is growing and that there is an opportunity for Chrysler to continue its growth in the segment. While Chrysler is the best-selling brand in the minivan market, the brand only sells a single family of minivans, which many take as a sign of the brand's impending demise. McAlear did not elaborate on Chrysler's future product plans but said the brand has "a lot of things in the works" and touted its only vehicle, the Pacifica.
Why it matters
Minivans have steadily lost ground to SUVs over the past few decades, but recent sales data indicates growing interest in the affordable and adaptable "multipurpose vehicle." Chrysler, which is credited with mainstreaming the minivan in the 1980s, is now the best-selling brand in the segment and sees an opportunity for continued growth.
The details
Chrysler unveiled a new highest-end version of its Pacifica minivan called the Pinnacle, which is loaded with features common in higher-end family vehicles. The company is also looking at ways to make the minivan more rugged and adventurous, beyond its traditional "family hauler" identity. While Pacifica sales were only up slightly in 2025, the more affordable Voyager/Pacifica LX model saw a bigger jump. Chrysler said Pacifica sales were up nearly 84% in March 2026 compared to the prior year.
- Chrysler plans to share more product plans at parent company Stellantis' investor day on May 21, 2026 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
- Pacifica sales were down in the first quarter of 2026, but up nearly 84% in March 2026 compared to the prior year.
The players
Matt McAlear
Chrysler and Dodge CEO who says the minivan market is growing and that there is an opportunity for Chrysler to continue its growth in the segment.
Chrysler
An American automobile brand that is credited with mainstreaming the minivan in the 1980s. Chrysler only sells a single family of minivans, the Pacifica, which is the best-selling brand in the segment.
Stellantis
The parent company of Chrysler that will hold an investor day on May 21, 2026 where the company is expected to share more details on Chrysler's product plans.
Eric Watson
Vice president of sales operations for Kia America, who says the Kia Carnival minivan is a "great family, practical vehicle" that has attracted buyers by giving the illusion of an SUV.
Kia Carnival
A minivan model from Kia that has seen sales increases, though it still lags behind Kia's more rugged SUV models like the Telluride.
What they’re saying
“We absolutely see the minivan market growing, and we believe there's an opportunity for Chrysler to continue its growth year over year.”
— Matt McAlear, Chrysler and Dodge CEO
“Carnival is just a great family, practical vehicle. I think in the stage of life when people have kids and want those power sliding doors and the configuration of what that vehicle provides, it's perfect in that life stage.”
— Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations, Kia America
“I think that attracts a lot of people and lowers that stigma of being a minivan family.”
— Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations, Kia America
What’s next
Chrysler plans to share more details on its product plans at the Stellantis investor day on May 21, 2026 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
The takeaway
While minivans have steadily lost ground to SUVs in recent decades, the segment is showing signs of a resurgence, with Chrysler and other automakers seeing growing demand for the affordable and adaptable "multipurpose vehicle." Chrysler, the brand credited with mainstreaming the minivan, is the best-selling brand in the segment and sees an opportunity to continue its growth.
