Editing Minivan (section)

==== 1990s ====
In the 1990s, several joint ventures produced long-running minivan designs. In 1994, [[Rebadging|badge engineered]] series of [[Eurovans]] was introduced, produced by [[Sevel Nord]] and marketed by Citroën, Fiat, Lancia, and Peugeot. The Eurovans were built with two sliding doors; the gearshift was located on the dashboard to increase interior space, and a petal-type handbrake was adopted. In 1995, Ford of Europe and Volkswagen entered a joint venture, producing the [[Ford Galaxy]], [[SEAT Alhambra]], and [[Volkswagen Sharan]] minivans, featuring front-hinged rear side doors.

In 1996, Mercedes introduced the [[Mercedes-Benz V-Class]] as a standard panel van for cargo (called Vito) or with passenger accommodations substituted for part or all of the load area (called V-Class or Viano). In 1998, the [[Fiat Multipla]] was released. A two-row, six-seater MPV with a 3+3 seat configuration borrowing its name from [[Fiat 600#Multipla|an older minivan]], it is notable for its highly controversial design.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2008 |title=The 100 ugliest cars: 20-1 |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2754226/The-100-ugliest-cars-20-1.html?image=18 |website=telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

Market reaction to these new full-size MPV models was mixed. Consumers perceived MPVs as large and truck-like despite boasting similar footprints as large sedans. Arguably, cultural reasons regarding vehicle size and high fuel prices were a factor. During 1996 and 1997, the Western European MPV market expanded from around 210,000 units to 350,000 units annually. However, the growth did not continue as expected, resulting in serious plant [[overcapacity]].<ref name="SM" />

Renault set a new "compact MPV" standard with the [[Renault Scénic]] in 1996, which became popular. Based on the C-segment [[Renault Mégane|Mégane]] platform, it offered the same multi-use and flexibility aspects as the larger MPVs but with a much smaller footprint.<ref name="SM">{{cite web |title=The reasons why full-size minivans don't sell in Europe |url= https://www.just-auto.com/features/the-reasons-why-full-size-minivans-dont-sell-in-europe/ |website=just-auto.com |date=30 May 2000 |access-date=15 August 2023}}</ref>