• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

Chrysler to Idle Windsor Assembly Plant Next Week

Grand Caravan, Town & Country and Pacifica Production Being Curbed

According to a Reuters report, DaimlerChrysler Canada will be temporarily shutting down its Windsor, Ontario minivan and crossover SUV assembly plant in an attempt to thwart slower than usual sales.

Mary Beth Halprin, Chrysler spokeswoman, stated Friday that the reason for next weeks idling was a need "to keep inventory levels managed on minivans." The shutdown is not expected to continue for more than one to two weeks maximum.

The facility produces the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans,

DaimlerChrysler Canada will be temporarily shutting down its Windsor, Ontario assembly plant, "to keep inventory levels managed on minivans." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

as well as the all-new Chrysler Pacifica crossover SUV, normally at a capacity of 1,325 units per day.

While the Chrysler Group minivans, although down in sales slightly, continue to be segment leaders and among North Americas top selling vehicles, the Pacifica has reportedly not caught on as quickly as the companys execs would have liked since arriving in showrooms in March.

The Pacificas less than stellar sales come despite being priced

Although enjoying a surge in sales last month, the Pacifica has reportedly not caught on as quickly as the companys execs would have liked. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

thousands less than many competitors while offering more standard features and top-tier build quality. Pacifica production takes up 25 percent of the Windsor assembly facilitys output.

On the positive, a surge in Pacifica sales last month as reported by Chrysler could point to a buying public that is seeing the new crossovers value proposition, enhanced recently by sales incentives.

Meanwhile, Chryslers minivans are fighting a fierce battle against competitors that have finally started to imitate the domestic automakers successful formula, and in some cases beat it at its own game. New vans from Ford, Toyota and Nissan, join Hondas respected entry eroding Chryslers market share, which is showing year-to-date sales through September down 9 percent.

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo