Recall the rumble of engines and the hiss of machinery. That’s the sound of history being made at the Chrysler Canada Windsor Assembly Plant. This isn’t just a factory. It’s a cornerstone of Windsor Ontario’s identity and its largest employer.
The Chrysler Canada Windsor Assembly Plant began its journey in 1928. Hutton & Souter designed this massive facility. It sprawls across 177 acres with 4.4 million square feet of floor space.
For decades, this plant has been at the forefront of automotive innovation. In 1939 a special Chrysler royal convertible sedan was built for the 1939 Royal Tour. Thousands were shipped overseas. Early production included Plymouth two-door and four-door sedans. Dodge hardtops DeSoto convertibles Chrysler station wagons and club coupes also rolled off the line.
The plant truly hit its stride in 1983. That year marked the start of minivan production. The Chrysler Canada Windsor Assembly Plant produced the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. These Generation I minivans set a new standard for family transportation.
The innovations continued. The Generation II minivans got an optional V6 engine. A long wheelbase version provided even more space. In 1995 the Generation III minivans arrived. They featured dual sliding doors for the first time.
The Chrysler Canada Windsor Assembly Plant reached another milestone in 2000. Production of the Generation IV minivan began. This model introduced the revolutionary Stow ‘n Go seating. This feature allowed seats to fold completely into the floor.
The evolution continued with the Generation V minivan in 2007. It retained Stow ‘n Go and added Swivel ‘n Go seating. The Chrysler Pacifica entered production in 2016. It replaced the Chrysler Town & Country. The Pacifica included gasoline engine and plug-in hybrid versions.
The plant also produced the Volkswagen Routan from 2008 to 2013. It also produced right-hand drive and diesel versions of the minivan for global markets. These were sold under the Chrysler and Lancia names.
The Chrysler Canada Windsor Assembly Plant adapted to changing market demands. Production of the Dodge Grand Caravan ended in 2020. The plant shifted focus to the Chrysler Voyager and Grand Caravan. In 2023 the Windsor Assembly Plant was recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council.
Today the Chrysler Canada Windsor Assembly Plant continues to evolve. It’s producing the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger Daytona. The plant is also preparing for a new generation of electric vehicles. A USD 2.8 billion investment will transform the plant. It will support production of a new multi-energy vehicle architecture. This will include battery-electric capability. The future of driving is being built right here.