Keys to Flexibility
The key to Chrysler Group's flexible manufacturing is the order in whichthe body is assembled, using a unique underbody palette system in the bodyshop. The same flexible palette system has also been used at the company'sSterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan (Chrysler Sebring, ChryslerSebring Convertible and Dodge Stratus sedan products) and the Toledo NorthAssembly Plant in Ohio -- home of the Jeep(R) Liberty and Wrangler.
This means that the same production system may be used to build sedans,convertibles, minivans, sport-utility vehicles, and now, sport tourers.
"A flexible manufacturing system will give the Chrysler Group the abilityto increase or decrease production with ease, depending on market demand, andultimately move us closer to obtaining our additional one million units by2011," said LaSorda.
Production of the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica will begin in early 2003at the Chrysler Group's Windsor Assembly Plant. While the Pacifica will bebuilt in the same plant as Chrysler and Dodge minivans, the vehicle will notbe built on any one of the company's short or long-wheelbase minivanplatforms. Chrysler Pacifica will be built on its own new, unique platform,but will use existing corporate components, including the same proven 3.5-Liter V6 engine that powers the award-winning Chrysler 300M.
The vehicles will share several production processes as a result of theplant's ability to accommodate a unique vehicle architecture. For example,Windsor's flexible body shop uses common processes of underbody framing andpanel lines, paint systems and final assembly between the Chrysler Pacificaand Chrysler and Dodge minivans. A few unique body sub-assembly systems(engine box, underbody sub-assembly and body sides) for the Chrysler Pacificaare in satellite areas within the Windsor Assembly Plant.