The all new Chrysler Pacifica minivan was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday.
The vehicle was touted as being completely new with more than 30 innovations and will be built in Windsor. Chrysler also unveiled a hybrid version of the new van, a world first.
The Pacifica will roll out to dealerships this spring with the hybrid version coming later this year.
Fiat Chrysler car chief Tim Kuniskis lauds the styling of Chrysler's new van.
``This may be the first minivan that you drive that the kids will let you pick them up at the front of the movie theatre,'' Kuniskis says of the Pacifica, Chrysler's first new minivan in eight years.
It comes in both a gas and industry-first plug-in hybrid version, which has a 30-mile all-electric range.
Kuniskis thinks low gas prices won't deter some buyers from choosing the hybrid. They'll be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
Reaction has been very positive. both for the vehicle itself but also for what this means to windsor - where the new minivan will be built.
“There it is. I'm nervous, excited,” said Local 444 president Dino Chiodo.”It's a beautiful vehicle."
For the 4,500 employees at Windsor Assembly, this means job security. An estimated 600-1,000 more employees could be hired - company officials will reveal the final tally at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February.
With files from The Associated Press.
