Sales in the US Minivan segment grew by 1.5 percent in the third quarter of 2016, as growth slowed down from the +21 percent in Q2, which was artificially boosted because of the plant shutdown at FCA in the second quarter of 2015, which hampered sales of two of the best selling models in the segment. In Q3 of 2016, five out of the eight models in the segment lost volume, although that needs a sidenote that two of those are discontinued nameplates. One of the most important questions about the minivan segment is whether the all-new Chrysler Pacifica is able to fill the large shoes of its predecessor, and so far the signs are positive.
Highlights for January – September 2016:
After sales of the segment leader Dodge Grand Caravan almost doubled in the first two quarter due to the aforementioned plant closure in 2015 because of retooling for the Pacifica, sales stabilized in Q3 with a 2% gain. That means it was down to third place in the quarter, although the rental company’s favorite minivan holds on to the year-to-date top spot, with sales still up 54%.- Volume leader in Q3 was the Toyota Sienna, despite a 6% loss of volume, with the Honda Odyssey in 2nd place. The Odyssey lost 17% in the quarter and is now down for the first nine months as well.
- In fourth place for the third quarter we find the Pacifica, which even took the segment #2 spot in September, less than 100 units behind the Sienna. That indicates the Pacifica should be able to claim the segment lead next year, especially when the hybrid version hits showrooms. For 2016, the Pacifica should be able to leapfrog the Kia Sedona and its predecessor Town & Country to enter the segment top-5.
- The Sedona was up 43% in the third quarter and improves to +25% year-to-date, but that won’t be enough to stay ahead of the Pacifica by year-end.
Note: clicking on the model name opens the sales data page for that model; clicking year in the legend turns the display for that year on/off