Sales for Stellantis‘ Windsor-built vehicles took a divergent path in the third quarter of 2024, as the automaker released its quarterly sales figures this week. The Chrysler Grand Caravan minivan, manufactured at the Windsor Assembly Plant, saw a significant uptick in sales, with 954 vehicles sold in Canada during the third quarter. This marked a substantial 79 per cent increase from the same period in 2023. Year to date, sales for the Grand Caravan were up by an impressive 85 per cent compared to the first three quarters of the previous year.
On the other hand, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan reported a 32 per cent drop in third-quarter sales, with only 1,218 units sold compared to 1,796 in the same period last year. Year to date, Pacifica sales were down by 33 per cent. This contrasting performance between the two minivan models built in Windsor contributed to an overall 24 per cent decline in sales for Stellantis Canada during the quarter.
Stellantis Canada President Jeff Hines commented on the third quarter’s results, noting that it was a pivotal period for the company. Hines highlighted the strategic decision to right-size inventory levels to match market demand and emphasized the upcoming launches of two highly anticipated vehicles – the made-in-Canada, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona and the Jeep Wagoneer S.
The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona, being produced at Windsor Assembly, is currently in production and will initially be available for sale in Quebec and British Columbia. This move signifies Stellantis‘ commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options in the Canadian market.
As Stellantis navigates the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, the contrasting sales performance of the Grand Caravan and Pacifica minivans in the third quarter of 2024 serves as a reflection of shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics. With a focus on innovation and adaptation, Stellantis continues to position itself for success in the competitive automotive market, setting the stage for future growth and development in the Canadian automotive sector.