Minivan production begins for international markets

[rickaren]

Minivan production begins for international markets

Posted Tuesday, Sep 8, 2009, 2:08 pm in Employee News



Chrysler Group LLC today announced that the company’s Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant has begun production of minivans for international markets.

The facility’s flexible manufacturing system enables diesel engine models and right-hand drive versions to be built on the same line as the left-hand drive and gasoline engine minivans.

Called the Chrysler Grand Voyager in markets outside North America, the vehicle is sold in more than 80 countries. Chrysler first began offering right-hand drive versions of the minivan in 1997 for markets such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the Philippines. For international markets, the Chrysler Grand Voyager is equipped with an optional 2.8-liter common-rail diesel (CRD) engine that which accounts for approximately 90 percent of sales in some European countries.

“In spite of an extremely challenging first half-year, Chrysler is continuing to invest in Canada,” Reid Bigland, President and CEO—Chrysler Canada, said. “In July, we announced that we will retain the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant. Today we are stepping up our commitment by expanding the products we build at the plant and preserving jobs in Ontario and Canada.”

The Windsor Assembly Plant was constructed in 1928 and began production of the award-winning Chrysler minivans in 1983. The 4.01 million square-foot facility occupies 176.92 acres and employs approximately 4,627 workers, many of whom are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). The facility remains Chrysler’s only auto assembly plant operating on three shifts.

The Chrysler Group has sold more than 12 million minivans worldwide since the company invented the minivan segment more than 25 years ago, including more than 1.6 million in Canada. In 2008, the company sold 21,513 minivans outside North America.

Chrysler minivans have received more awards than any other—more than 260. The vehicle offers more than 65 minivan-first features, such as the innovative Stow ’n Go® and Swivel ‘n Go™ seating and storage systems.