Final answer:
Chrysler introduced the first minivan to the market in 1983. This occurred during a time when American automotive companies were adjusting to increased global competition and the need for innovative vehicle designs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The company that put the first minivan on the market in 1983 was Chrysler. This innovation came at a time when the American auto industry was facing significant competition from international manufacturers. In the 1970s, Detroit's dominance had led to an era of complacency within the American auto industry, with domestic cars becoming known for being poorly built and inefficient. This opened the market to foreign competition, particularly from Japan, where companies like Honda and Toyota had been making small, fuel-efficient cars for years. It was in this context of increased competition and the need for automotive innovation that Chrysler launched the minivan, a vehicle that would prove to be extremely popular and create a new market segment.