The minivan was invented because "gas guzzler" laws made station wagons difficult to sell. The van was bigger and sidestepped new regulations, the station wagon

The minivan was invented because "gas guzzler" laws made station wagons difficult to sell. The van was bigger and sidestepped new regulations, the station wagon became unavailable, the families needing versatile cargo/people hauling had no other economical option. Lots of people would still buy 1960s tech, air cooled VW Bugs if they were allowed to do so.