Windsor Assembly Plant Launches Production of Industry’s First-ever Hybrid Minivan

WINDSOR, Ontario, December 2, 2016/3BL Media/​ - The industry’s first-ever electrified minivan, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, rolled off the line at the FCA US Windsor Assembly Plant (Ont.) on Dec. 1, further expanding the Company’s leadership in the segment.

The launch of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid marks another milestone for the Windsor plant as it is the first electric vehicle to be built on its assembly line.

“The nearly 5,900 employees at Windsor Assembly are bringing more than 33 years of minivan production knowledge and expertise to the launch of the Pacifica Hybrid,” said Brian Harlow, Head of Manufacturing, FCA – North America. “They understand, now more than ever, how critical it is for our manufacturing processes to be directly connected to our diverse and expanding customer base.

“Building the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Chrysler Pacifica with the traditional gas powertrain and now the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid on the same assembly line requires the expanded application of World Class Manufacturing methods and tools to ensure we deliver world class quality in every vehicle we make,” said Harlow. “The Windsor team is proud to build the industry’s first hybrid minivan, and is confident that it will provide a positive and delightful experience to our future customers.”

Since launching the first minivan in 1983, the Windsor plant has built 10 million of the more than 14.3 million vehicles that have been sold to date.

While the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvented the minivan segment, the Pacifica Hybrid builds on its functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling with the addition of electrification technology, making it the most fuel-efficient minivan ever for hauling people and cargo.

The hybrid version of the sixth-generation family hauler will deliver a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved range of 33 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The Pacifica Hybrid also earned a fuel-economy rating of 84 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) from the EPA, reflecting the vehicle’s combined city- and highway-cycle performance in electric-mode only, as tested.

“Minivan drivers travel an average of around 30 miles each day, meaning that most Pacifica Hybrid owners will be able to complete their daily activities solely on electric power,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA - North America. “For those longer weekend trips, the 33-mile all-electric range combined with a full tank of fuel will deliver an expected total range of 566 miles, alleviating the potential of any range anxiety.”

The battery pack – neatly packaged under the second-row floor in a unique battery case to retain maximum interior volume for both passengers and cargo – may be fully recharged in as little as two hours using a 240-volt plug-in system.

As the original creator of the minivan more than 33 years ago, FCA US has transformed the segment with firsts – notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, FCA US adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for an unprecedented total of 115 innovations in the segment, including the industry’s first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid models feature a unique front grille pattern and wheel design, as well as distinctive badging and an exclusive Silver Teal Pearl Coat paint, differentiating it from the rest of the Pacifica lineup.

FCA US invested $2.6 billion USD to develop the Pacifica, including its hybrid counterpart, with $744 million USD (over $1 billion CAD*) allocated to the plant to add floor space, retool and upgrade equipment.
 
About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

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Contact
Jodi Tinson 
(248) 512-2944 (office) 
(586) 219-0677 (cell) 
jodi.tinson@fcagroup.com 

LouAnn Gosselin 
(519) 973-2253 (office) 
(519) 984-2600 (cell) 
louann.gosselin@fcagroup.com