Chrysler to rethink the future of its minivans

Chrysler to rethink the future of its minivans: Dee-Ann Durbin, the globe and mail

Chrysler thinks about the future of its two mini vans, the Dodge grand caravan and the Chrysler town and country, as its starts to make the 2011 models. CEO Sergio Marchionne feels they need to rethink the minivan; keeping its funcionality, but making it much more versatile. As well he feels having two minivans in the same dealership is confusing. He says they are developing a new frame that can be used on minivans, or other kinds of vehicles. This will allow them to build smaller minivans, crossovers, or cars, depending on the demand. This is a similar approach that Ford Co. has taken, which may be a safe way to go, looking at the sucsess Ford has had. Chrysler also plans to have a hybrid minivan out by 2013. I feel the idea of a hybrid minivan is still far away, not saying they won't, but people will feel this need a few years to be perfected. Do you feel this is a good approach that Marchionne plans to make? Do you feel having to minivans is a good selection, or a confusing choice to make?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/auto-news/chrysler-to-rethink-the-future-of-its-minivans/article1877676/

Wal-Mart is flexing its muscles

Wal-mart is flexing its muscles: by Tony Wong, the toronto star

Wal-mart has planned to open 40 new supercentres in the next year. They plan to start opening these new stores on Febuary 1st, 2011, and finish all forty by January 31st, 2012. I think this date will be very hard to accomplish this by, but I dont feel it will result in anything negative for Wal-mart. These are not just regular Wal-marts, supercentres are about 200, 000 square feet, about 120, 000 square feet larger than a regular Wal-mart. The difference not only is in size, but includes a full grocery store. This upgrade comes at a interesting time, as Target corp. has realesed that it is buying the realiter Zellers, for 1.8 billion. They estimate to take over 150 Zellers stores by 2014. Only eight of the 40 new supercentres will be new buildings, the rest being renovated existing stores. I feel although Target is new in Canada and will have to adjust to the canadian market, they still can give the powerhouse, Wal-mart, some pressure. How do you think Wal-mart will take this news of a competitor moving in? Do you think Target can give Wal-mart pressure, or even match it in the future?

http://www.thestar.com/business/companies/walmart/article/928240--wal-mart-is-flexing-its-muscles