The role of Minivans as multipurpose vehicles specialized in people transport is slowly being usurped by large SUVs which offer an additional row of seats in the back. The market is still performing strongly in Asian markets, where many local companies are investing in electric MPVs. However, we expect a slow decline in the market as new shared mobility services become available.
The Minivans Market segment includes passenger cars of an average footprint around 4.25m2 (46 ft2) and an average mass around 1600kg (3500lbs), with their roofs extended in the back in order to prioritize their passenger and cargo volume (up to 3.7 m3 or 130 ft3). Some of their distinct features include sliding doors, three rows of seats and a passenger car base.
- European Car Segment: M (Multi-Purpose Cars – excluding vans)
- US Car Segment: MPV, Minivan
- Chinese Car Segment: Multi-Purpose Vehicles
- Also known as: MPV, Multi-Purpose Cars, People Carrier
Background:
Although different variants of minivans existed ever since the 1930’s, their design changed drastically over the years and until finally settling into the one we know today in the late 1960’s. Many predecessors spin-offed into their own car classes, like camper vans and pick-up trucks, while minivans found their ground in early 1980’s replacing station wagons as the new family cars.
This market segment continued to flourish until the financial crisis of the late 2000s, after which many minivan models started to be reimagined as small SUVs, following new market trends towards Sports Utility Vehicles.
Example Models: Citroën C3 Picasso, Citroën C4 Picasso, Mazda 5, Peugeot 5008, Peugeot 807, Toyota Verso.
