The Chrysler Pacifica minivan is one of the most impressive models in its class and it’s arguably the most advanced.
As the only minivan on the market right now that offers you the ability to have a hybrid version, this is the minivan that’s taking the market forward and giving us more of what we want to enjoy when it’s time for a drive. One of the most popular minivan markets is where the Pacifica is built, Canada, but recent numbers tell us that the Pacifica is having some troubles in this market.
Reviewing the Sales Numbers from FCA
The Chrysler Pacifica sales in the US were respectable at 118,322 for 2018. This number is essentially the same as what was sold in 2017. The Dodge Grand Caravan, which is the most significant competitor to the Pacifica, sold at a rate of 151,927 for 2018, which was an increase of 21 percent for the year. Through February, the sales in Canada were down by nearly 25 percent but FCA still owns nearly 58 percent of the minivan market share in the US to be the company we choose when looking for the family hauler.
The numbers in Canada tell us a different story. The Grand Caravan was able to outsell the Pacifica at a rate of 5-to-1. The 2018 sales in Canada showed the Grand Caravan numbers came in at 32,253 while the Pacifica reached 5,999 for the year. These numbers represent a decline of nearly 31 percent for the Grand Caravan and three percent for the Pacifica. So far, 2019 hasn’t been any better with sales continuing to fall through the first two months of the year, spurning discussions of finding a way to do something different.
The Answer Could be AWD for FCA
Canada is known as the Great White North and the weather can be foul and winters long in this country. Because of this, a vehicle that offers either AWD or 4WD makes a lot of sense to travel on the snowy roads that are found. While this seems like a simple solution, the concern is whether or not the Pacifica can handle having AWD for the rear driveshaft and still offer the Stow ‘n Go seating function. Chrysler did offer AWD in minivans until 2004, which was the first time the Stow ‘n Go seating was offered.
Upgrades Being Made in Windsor
The Windsor Assembly plant has already been upgraded a couple of times and it continues to be improved to add more lines for more vehicles. Adding AWD might be an easy fix and considering the nearly $3 billion being spend on this plant, it would be a simple solution and wouldn’t cost a lot. This is the plant where the Pacifica is built now and eventually a replacement for the Grand Caravan along with a new three-row Chrysler Crossover will be built as well. Adding AWD to the minivans offered could be the change that improves sales of these minivans in Canada.
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