Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Canada (FCA Canada) is partnering with the government of Ontario, Canada, to support the production of Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid electric minivan and also the first to be built in North America. The partnership was announced at a special 20th anniversary event at the University of Windsor/FCA Research and Development Center by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
Ontario will provide up to C$85.8m (US$65.8m) in funding to FCA Canada in order to enhance research at FCA’s R&D center in Windsor, called the Automotive Research and Development Centre, and to support the world-class workforce at the Windsor Assembly Plant through advanced training and plant upgrades for the production of the Chrysler Pacifica. The project will also safeguard the Windsor Assembly Plant by creating 1,200 new jobs and securing 4,000 existing positions. It will also support thousands of direct and indirect jobs across Ontario’s automotive supply chain.
This investment builds on Ontario’s competitive advantages by supporting a highly skilled workforce and a business climate that enables innovative research. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will also contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
“In the last 18 months, FCA has invested in excess of C$2bn for the benefit of our Canadian Operations and added over 1,200 new jobs,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO, FCA Canada. “We are grateful for the support of the Ontario government and appreciate our strong working relationship. We are proud of our world-class workforce, the new research capabilities of the ARDC and the exciting new Chrysler Pacifica.”
June 16, 2016