Chrysler Group has announced that the company's Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario has begun production of minivans for international markets after right-hand-drive production was stalled as it entered into a partnership with Fiat. The plant was retooled late last year but right-hand-drive production of the Chrysler Town & Country didn't get underway. The facility's Flexible Manufacturing System enables diesel engined models and right-hand drive versions to be built on the same lines as the left-hand drive and gasoline minivans.

The Chrysler Town & Country is called the Chrysler Grand Voyager in markets outside North America and 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-litre common-rail diesel (CRD) engine, which accounts for approximately 90 per cent of sales in some European countries.

"In spite of an extremely challenging first half-year, Chrysler is continuing to invest in Canada," commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada, today. "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 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. It remains Chrysler's only auto assembly plant operating on three shifts. The plant also builds the Town & Country-based VW Routan for the local market.

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 – over 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.

ItaliaspeedTV: Windsor Assembly Plant - International Production / Windsor Assembly Plant - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan Production / Chrysler Grand Voyager (2010)