Mazda and Kia are starting to make their mark in the market with mini minivans, while General Motors and Ford are planning models in 2011. Furthermore, Honda and Toyota could introduce its current people haulers in Japan to the North American market in the near future, according to industry watchers.

There are even rumblings that Chrysler, inventor of the original minivan in 1983 and perennial market leader, may build a smaller model with help from its new Italian partner Fiat. Chrysler currently controls about 49 per cent of the minivan market in Canada.

So what's the appeal to these pint-size minivans? It looks as though consumers are looking toward people haulers that emphasize fuel efficiency, flexibility, unique styling and lower sticker prices.

Analysts are forecasting sales will more than double the current level of about 21,000 in Canada this year to almost 50,000 in 2014, or about 3 per cent of the overall light vehicle market.

It looks as though Canada will be a strong market for mini minivans.