Editing Minivan (section)

==== 1980s ====
The 1984 [[Renault Espace]] was the first European-developed minivan developed primarily for passenger use (as the earlier DKW and Volkswagen used their commercial van platforms in a minibus variant). Beginning development in the 1970s under the European subsidiaries of Chrysler,<ref>{{cite book|title=How to Design Cars Like a Pro: A Complete Guide to Car Design from the Top Professionals |last=Lewin |first=Tony |publisher=Motorbooks International|year=2003|isbn=0-7603-1641-4}}</ref> the Espace was intended as a successor for the [[Matra Rancho]], leading to its use of front-hinged doors. While slow-selling at the time of its release, the Espace would become the most successful European-brand minivan.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.topgear.com/car-news/renault-espace-your-life |title=Renault Espace, this is your life|date=23 April 2015 |website=topgear.com|language=en|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>

Initially intending to market the Espace in North America through [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC), the 1987 sale of AMC to Chrysler canceled the plans for Renault to do so. In the late 1980s, Chrysler and Ford commenced sales of American-designed minivans in Europe (categorized as full-size in the region), selling the [[Chrysler Voyager]] and Ford Aerostar. General Motors imported the Oldsmobile Silhouette (branded as the Pontiac Trans Sport), later marketing the American-produced [[Opel Sintra|Opel/Vauxhall Sintra]].