Stellantis begins production of 40th year of minivans

Published Sep 19, 2023 • 2 minute read

The Windsor-built Pacifica Hybrid, with one in velvet red shown near the end of the line at the Windsor Assembly Plant — just one of the latest minivan models out of Windsor. Photo by Nick Brancaccio /Windsor Star

The 40th year of minivan production at Windsor Assembly began Friday with the manufacturing of the first 2024 Pacifica model.

The original minivan — a Plymouth Voyager — rolled off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant on November 2, 1983, as a 1984 model. It would become the first of more than 15 million minivans sold to date.

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“For 40 years, Stellantis minivans have been along for the ride helping families and road-trippers create a lifetime of unforgettable moments,” said Chrysler brand Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO — Stellantis.

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“Many of today’s consumers first experienced the road in a Chrysler minivan and we’re proud that four decades later, a new generation is making their own memories in a Chrysler Pacifica or Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid.

“As the Chrysler brand moves forward to an all-electric portfolio in 2028, the minivan will continue to play an important role in our vehicle lineup.”

The current model is the sixth generation of a vehicle that is largely credited with reviving a struggling Chrysler corporation in the 1980s. Late last month, the company celebrated production of the 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid.

“It’s been an amazing 40 years of the minivan,” said Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy of a vehicle which is a staple on the lists of most important ground-breaking cars.

“When the minivan first came out, our then president Ken Gerard actually kicked the magic wagon and was pissed saying this vehicle would never sell. Forty years later, it brought Chrysler back from the brink. It’s amazing what this plant has done for the city of Windsor and the region.

“It’s the largest employer and provided for so many people. All because of one vehicle.”

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Available for the 2024 model year, the Pacifica lineup offers a new Sepia interior colour for the premium Pacifica Pinnacle model and two new exterior colours, Red Hot and Baltic Grey.

The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid lineup will offer two models for 2024, the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Select and Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle.

A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) feature of the Uconnect 5 platform provides drivers with cluster and touchscreen in-vehicle notifications of an active fire truck, ambulance or other nearby roadway hazards.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid will begin arriving at dealerships in October.

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