Canada – The first vehicle rolled off the line at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) assembly plant in Ontario, ahead of deliveries to dealerships this spring. The 2017 model is based on a new platform, and the manufacturer claims that it “revolutionises” the segment with “nearly 40 minivan ‘firsts’”.
Building on 78 innovations through the preceding five minivan generations, the 37 ‘firsts’ on the 2017 model will “not only exceed its primary competitors, but are on a par with high-end premium sedans”, says FCA.
The Windsor plant was built in 1928 and in 2013 celebrated 30 years of minivan manufacture; more than 14m minivans have been sold since the production launch. The factory covers 4.4m sq.ft and holds Silver status within the FCA World Class Manufacturing system. It currently runs three shifts.
