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"Chrysler Intros 2005 Minivans   Chrysler Group has debuted the next generations of the and minivans. The 2005 models will go on sale early next year.   Chrysler says it spent 18 months and $400 million on substantially re-engineering its popular minivan. In addition to numerous detail changes, Chrysler is one-upping the competition by offering fold-flat seats in not only the third row of its minivans, but in the second row. The seats, which fold flat into a tub in the floor, will be standard equipment on highline long-wheelbase models of the Chrysler Town &amp;amp;amp; Country and Dodge Grand Caravan SXT models.   The 2005 models also get minor changes to the grille and side panels. Inside, the vehicles have a new overhead storage and entertainment system for each row, plus added safety features, including more air bags and break-away cupholders. New, soundproof steel in the van&amp;#039;s structure will make them 16 percent quieter than the current models, Chrysler said.   The minivan segment has been heating up lately. Last week, General Motors unveiled the 2005 Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay, and will follow up with intros of the Chevrolet Uplander and Pontiac Montana SV6 later next year.   Ford is introducing substantially redesigned minivans for its Ford and Mercury divisions called the Freestar and Monterey, respectively. And Nissan and Toyota have both introduced all-new versions of their minivans, the Sienna and Quest.   Although total minivan sales are down 6.2% year-to-date, it remains an important segment: This year more than one million will be sold.   Toyota Announces Hybrid SUVs   Toyota says it will debut the hybrid midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) and an all new full-size pickup truck concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.   The Highlander hybrid will join the sedan as the second vehicle in the Toyota Division model lineup to feature Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Highlander gas-electric hybrid will launch in late 2004, the company said in a news release.   Lexus, Toyota&amp;#039;s luxury division, will unveil a hybrid version of its RX330 SUV at the same event.   Nissan Shows New Safety Systems    Nissan unveiled a number of new safety features, including a system that assists a driver in preventing a collision, Reuters reported.   Nissan also showed a new system that automatically maintains a safe distance with a preceding vehicle by accelerating or slowing down in heavy traffic at its technical research center in Yokosuka, outside Tokyo, the story said.   The feature is a new version of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which, unlike other such systems already in use, is the world&amp;#039;s first for driving at low speeds of 10 to 40 km per hour (6-25 mph), Nissan said. It is designed to reduce the driver&amp;#039;s workload in low-speed driving situations, and will likely be offered on a new Nissan luxury model planned for release next year.   Nissan also demonstrated a new safety system that helps prevent a head-to-rear collision by allowing the driver to maneuver better while the brakes are being applied, the story said.   Study Alleges Car Dealer Scams   Millions of consumers are subjected to a wide range of unnecessary fees and charges when buying a new car or truck, the Detroit News reported, citing a study by the Washington group Public Citizen.   Among the alleged frauds:   Boosting the sticker price with extra features that may already come with the vehicle. Manipulating customers to agree to add-ons during negotiations without specifying the additional cost. Working with banks to fix a higher interest rate without the buyer&amp;#039;s knowledge. Adding products to the sales contract after the customer leaves. Requiring credit reports to determine income, previous lease or loan payments to benefit the dealership in negotiations over price.   Public Citizen is asking state attorneys general to investigate the practices and step up enforcement of consumer protection laws, the story said.   Marianne McInerney, president of the American International Automobile Dealers Association, said the report contradicted four independent evaluations over the last two years by Gallup, Wirthlin, Ernst &amp;amp;amp; Young and Consumer Reports, which reported that between 90 percent and 95 percent of consumers were satisfied with their new-car buying experience, McInerney said.   In related news, the Associated Press reports that a Santa Clara County (California) Superior Court Judge Jack Komar ruled that General Motors Acceptance Corp., the vehicle-financing arm of General Motors, engaged in unlawful collection activities after it repossessed as many as 30,000 cars in California. The judge ruled that GMAC did not properly inform the vehicles&amp;#039; owners of all their rights on how they could get their vehicles back before they were sold at auction, and ordered GMAC to refund millions of dollars to customers. No word on whether GM plans to appeal. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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