Cars

The unlikely resurgence of the MPV

By 2022-08-31T15:38:00

Chrysler Pacifica

The multi-purpose vehicle has shuttled families around for decades in comfort, but never in style. That is starting to change, writes Karl Smith

The tragedy and disruptions of the pandemic could fill a library – and no doubt someday will. But some of the disruptions have turned into opportunities with unexpected results. One of these is the rediscovery of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which has emerged, in the US at least, as the comeback format of the year.

The MPV has never gone away of course, but its market share has been so drastically reduced that it has been almost a footnote in both design studios and sales figures. Additionally, the MPV suffers from a massive image problem. The Wall Street Journal dubbed them “the fanny pack of automobiles – functional and frumpy.” Ford and GM got out of the MPV business altogether over a decade ago and left Chrysler (who invented the modern MPV) to soldier on, making the most of the limited market opportunities with the format.

But people did not stop having families, and the practicality of the MPV has guaranteed a place in the market.

This content is available to subscribers only   |   Sign in

Get unlimited access to Car Design News

Unlock exclusive design knowledge, inspiration & connection.

Free Trial

Trial

Includes:


Knowledge
  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams

Inspiration
  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Access Interior Motives magazine in digital page turner format

30-days free

Then $16 per month for Essential subscription

Billed as $194 annually

Start free trial

Other currencies: £149 / €179 annually

Available to new subscribers only

Essential Plus

Essential

Includes:


Knowledge
  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams

Inspiration
  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Receive 2x print editions of Interior Motives per year
  • Activate a 20% discount on the annual Car Design Review yearbook

Connection
  • Take part in subscriber only design challenges

$22 per month

Billed as $259 annually

Subscribe today

Other currencies: £199 / €239 annually

Premium

Premium-svg

Includes:


Knowledge
  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams
  • Access deeper insights with trend report whitepapers

Inspiration
  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Receive 2x print editions of Interior Motives per year
  • Receive 1x annual copy of the Car Design Review yearbook
  • Activate a 25% discount on additional Car Design Review books

Connection
  • Take part in subscriber only design challenges
  • Participate in subscriber only online workshops

$32 per month

Billed as $389 annually

Subscribe today

Other currencies: £299 / €359 annually
 

Explore more subscription options.

 


Need help?


For help with individual user subscriptions please contact:

Eric Ng
Eric.Ng@ultimamedia.com

For help with multi user subscriptions please contact:

Angela Yang
Angela.Yang@cardesignnews.com

 

Sign in   |   Forgotten password