At a turbulent time in the automotive sector, job security at Windsor Assembly Plant got a boost this week with Stellantis announcing it’s re-introducing local production of the Chrysler Voyager.
The Voyager is aimed at offering a more affordable entry-level model in the segment in the U.S. market alongside the more upscale Windsor-built Pacifica.
“Stellantis introducing the Voyager shows a real commitment and confidence in the minivan segment,” Unifor Local 444 president James Stewart told the Star. “This gives us six different levels of minivan models.”
While the union doesn’t expect the announcement to lead to any new hiring locally, it continues the run of positive news for Windsor Assembly.
The new electric Charger is expected to ramp up production shortly, leading to the anticipated eventual return of a third shift at the plant. In addition, the respected auto industry analysis firm AutoForecast Solutions has reported a new Chrysler crossover and a new Dodge SUV are expected to begin production in Windsor in the next couple of years.
“I know there are a lot of rumours, people saying what vehicles may be coming, and the company hasn’t made those commitments to us yet,” Stewart said.
“All we can do is put ourselves in a position where we’re attractive to the company to put vehicles in our plant. When you look at what (AutoForecaster Solutions) says, it’s all good news,” he said.
“Let’s hope it stays that way, that our product sells and we continue to build a volume product. When the plant succeeds, so does our community.”
The Voyager will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$39,995.
“The 2025 Chrysler Voyager offers customers a well-equipped, budget-conscious minivan and reinforces our brand’s commitment to delivering choices in the segment Stellantis created more than 40 years ago and continues to lead,” Christine Feuell, Stellantis’s Chrysler brand CEO, said in a statement.
“We’ve added many comfort, technology-focused and safety features as standard equipment on Chrysler Voyager, including standard Stow ‘n Go seating, making the Voyager an attractive, value-packed option within the Chrysler family of minivans.”
The Canadian market already has the Dodge Caravan filling that niche in the domestic market. The Voyager had been offered in the U.S. until 2021.
“The Pacifica is more a luxury vehicle with all the electronics and technology in it,” Stewart said. “They’re trying to make it so families who can’t afford the Pacifica, can still get into a family mover.”
Stewart said the new addition also addresses some of the criticism Stellantis has been hearing from its dealer network, particularly in the U.S., about needing more product at affordable pricing levels.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares spent a good chunk of his summer focused on creating a plan to kickstart sales in North America after a difficult start to 2024.
“I don’t think the Voyager was a direct reaction to that, but I do think this is an idea they’ve had in place for a while and it was a matter of pushing the button when it was the right time to go,” Stewart said.
The Voyager will join the Pacifica and the new electric Charger in production at Windsor Assembly Plant.
Though it’s billed as an entry-level minivan, Voyager will offer several of the Pacifica’s features as standard equipment.
Among them are the popular Stow ‘n Go seating for both the second and third rows of seating, power sliding doors and liftgate, power-adjust driver’s seat, remote start and heated seats and steering wheel.
The Voyager will also feature a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen delivering a range of connected services.