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FCA Will Idle Minivan Output for Five Weeks
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will suspend production of Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for five weeks to retool its factory in Windsor, Ont., for tougher U.S. side airbag standards, according to the plant’s union.
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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will suspend production of Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for five weeks to retool its factory in Windsor, Ont., for tougher U.S. side airbag standards, according to the plant’s union.
Unifor Local 444 says the shutdown will enable the factory to prepare for updated airbag systems required to meet revised U.S. safety standards that took effect on Sept. 1. The rules require side airbags to more fully cover side windows and stay inflated longer in rollover crashes.
The Windsor plant is the sole source for the Caravan and FCA’s Chrysler Pacifica minivan. The latter model already meetings the new airbag rules, which apply only in the U.S. market.
AN says FCA told dealers in June that they should stock up on Caravans because they wouldn’t receive more vehicles between September and December, when production resumes.
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