DCX to Manufacture 2004 Pacifica at Windsor Plant

DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler Group announced it will manufacture the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica at its Windsor (Ontario, Canada) Assembly Plant, adding the all-new model to the same production line as its 2003 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. According to the company, the key to Chrysler’s flexible manufacturing system is the order in which the body is assembled, using a unique underbody palette system in the body shop. As a result, the same production system can be used to build sedans, minivans, and sport/utility vehicles. The same flexible palette system has been used at the company’s Sterling Heights (MI) assembly plant, and Toledo (OH) North assembly plant. The automaker said the ability to produce several different products at the Windsor plant will save the company nearly $100 million for the Pacifica launch.