2004 Pacifica Shows Best Chrysler Quality Yet
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| Chrysler Group President and CEO Dieter Zetsche (right) took part in the celebrations. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Industry analysts are predicting great things to come from Chrysler's new Pacific crossover SUV, according to the Detroit News. Developed over a 30 month period for approximately $US1 billion, the vehicle is expected to boost Chrysler's sales as well as enhance its image further upmarket.
On Friday, February 7th, the first all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica rolled off the production line at Chrysler Group's Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario. Chrysler Group President and CEO Dieter Zetsche took part in the celebrations.
"This is the best launch in terms of quality in the history of the Windsor Assembly Plant." Zetsche continued, "While it is still early, our accomplishments so far demonstrate our pledge to deliver the highest quality products to our customers." Zetsche went on to credit employees for this milestone.
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| Zetsche credits Windsor assembly line workers for the new Pacifica's high quality level, the best from Chrysler Group yet according to the company's president and CEO. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Chrysler's products have improved in quality in recent years, in both reliability and all important perceived quality, or tactile quality. North America's Number 3 automaker is now considered by auto insiders as the best for interior fit and finish and plastics quality among domestic brands.
What did Chrysler do different this time to improve quality? During its pre-production phase employees built the Pacifica directly on the assembly line rather than in a controlled environment. This sped up the optimization of the line's automation and tooling systems resulting in a better product sooner in the car's development process.
A total of CAD$460 million (US$300 million) has been invested in the Windsor Assembly Complex in preparation for Pacifica production, including improvements to the body shop, tooling, conveyors and paint shop.