The first-generation Chrysler minivans are a series of minivans produced and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation from the 1984 to the 1990 model years. Introduced as the first minivans from an American-brand manufacturer and popularizing the minivan as a vehicle, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager were launched ahead of chief competitors Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and Ford Aerostar. Using the front-wheel drive Chrysler S platform, the minivans were produced in both passenger and cargo configurations. Initially offered in a single wheelbase, a longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan/Grand Voyager was introduced for 1987. For 1988, the Chrysler Voyager was introduced for export sale (mainly to Europe), intended as a competitor for the Renault Espace. For the final year of the generation, the luxury-oriented Chrysler Town & Country was introduced. Chrysler manufactured the S-platform minivans in the United States and Canada in its Saint Louis Assembly (Fenton, Missouri) and Windsor Assembly (Windsor, Ontario) facilities. Background and development The development of what ultimately became the Chrysler minivans began in the early 1970s as concurrent projects of Ford Motor Company and the truck division of Dodge. As an alternative to Volkswagen Microbus, both companies sought to create a "garageable van", more powerful, safer-handling vans capable as a practical second car. In 1964, when Chrysler adopted three platforms for all products called the C, B and A, Chrysler also introduced the Dodge A100 cab-over van in response to the first generation Ford Econoline, Chevrolet Van and Chevy Corvair Greenbrier. The Dodge van project did not progress past a clay model design; Chrysler chairman Lynn Townsend argued that if a market for such a vehicle existed, Ford and GM would have already done it. In 1973, Ford developed the Ford Carousel as a running prototype; derived from the Ford Club Wagon (itself in development), the Carousel adopted a lower "garageable" roofline and "automotive-style" interior and exterior features. While supported by multiple Ford executives, the Carousel fell victim to the 1973 oil crisis, as the company focused development resources on redesigning its sedan lines. At the end of 1977, development of Chrysler minivans restarted with four main goals; 1982 was planned for a potential model year launch. The ability to park in a standard-size garage Car-like NVH Low, flat load floor Removable rear seats (ability to carry a 4×8 sheet of building material on the floor) Although both the front-wheel drive K-Cars and L-body (Omni/Horizon) were being considered as