gavriil

Chrysler put America's families on wheels with the introduction of the first minivan in 1983. For 2001, the brand introduced yet another head-turning segment buster called the T Cruiser. In 2003, with the introduction of Chrysler Pacifica, the company lays claim to n entirely new proposition in premium automotive transportation called sports tourer. "In terms of innovative packaging and proportions, there's nothing else like it," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "We're confident that Chrysler Pacifica will revolutionize the premium vehicle market much in the same way that Chrysler PT Cruiser revolutionized the small vehicle market."

With easy step-across entry and exit, first-class seating, three rows of seats, and fold-flat second and third row seats, Chrysler Pacifica sets a new packaging standard in premium automotive transportation. In addition, Pacifica offers premium amenities including an in-cluster navigation system, Infinity® Intermezzo ™ 5.1 digital surround sound system, six-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer, SIRIUS satellite radio, UConnect ™ hands-free communication, and a power liftgate.

2004 Chrysler Pacifica Development and Production

Chrysler Pacifica was developed in 30 months at a cost below $1 billion. Production of Chrysler Pacifica began in early 2003 at DaimlerChrysler's Windsor (Canada) Assembly Plant. While Pacifica is built in the same plant as Chrysler and Dodge minivans, it is built on its own new, unique platform, but uses existing corporate components, including the same proven 3.5-liter V6 engine that powers the award-winning Chrysler 300M.

Chrysler Brand

With the introduction of the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and Crossfire, the Chrysler brand continues to build momentum. Chrysler brand sales have nearly quadrupled to 481,000 units in 2002 from 130,542 units in 1991.

"Every year, more than 2.7 million people move in and out of sport-utility vehicles, minivans and sedans, which provides a great opportunity for Pacifica because of its unique design and high level of flexibility," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler Marketing. "With innovative packaging, proportions and performance, Pacifica will offer a fresh alternative for people coming out of these traditional market segments.

"Without question, Pacifica and Crossfire mark a pivotal time in the 80-year history of the Chrysler brand," continued Marinelli. "With a complete lineup of head-turning vehicles, our showrooms have never looked better. With the addition of Pacifica and Crossfire, Chrysler will now have some of the most appealing vehicles under one roof."

2004 Chrysler Pacifica Premium Amenities

Fun-to-Drive

· 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine from award-winning Chrysler 300M
· 250 horsepower, 250 lb-ft of torque
· Four-speed automatic transaxle with AutoStick ®
· Independent front suspension
· Five-link rear suspension with load-leveling
· Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
· Power, memory adjustable pedals

Cabin Comfort and Flexibility

· Leather-trimmed seats in first and second rows with seat-mounted armrests
· 10-way power driver's seat
· Heated first and second row seats
· Second row bucket seats with fore-aft, recline, and fold-flat capabilities
· Full-length, first and second row center console with storage and cup holders;
cell phone holder in first row
· Six-passenger seating in three rows (2+2+2)
· Second and third row individual seats fold to create flat-load floor
· Third row: easy access to the 50/50 bench
· Easy step-in height
· Power sunroof
· Power liftgate
· Dual-zone automatic temperature control
· Auxiliary fan for rear seat passengers
· Rear cargo bin storage

In-Vehicle Technology

· Integrated in-instrument cluster navigation system
· DVD Rear Seat Video ™ entertainment system with drop-down video screen,
remote control and wireless headphones
· Infinity® Intermezzo theater-style 5.1 surround sound digital audio system
· UConnect™ hands-free communication system
· SIRIUS satellite radio, prepped for Mopar installation
· Comprehensive memory system (radio, driver seat, pedals, and exterior mirrors)
· Universal garage door opener
· Steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control and radio)
· Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with programmable features

Chrysler Designers Carve Next Segment Buster

After designing the segment-busting PT Cruiser, Chrysler designers aimed their sketch pads at the premium end of the brand's lineup to design the "next big thing." Their efforts resulted in the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica sports tourer.

Designing the Next Big Thing (NBT)

"When we started working on this project, our objective was clear," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design. "We wanted to design what we call the NBT, or the next big thing. We wanted to design a vehicle unlike any other in the marketplace - a vehicle that didn't conform to the traditional proportions of a car, sport-utility vehicle or minivan, yet featured their best attributes."

Exterior Design: Handsome Protector

"Pacifica's exterior is solid, confident and handsome," said Joe Dehner, Director of Design. "We gave it a solid appearance by using distinctive, protective design cues including a high beltline, a unique 'glass-to-body mass' proportion, and a tasteful application of chrome. We wanted to communicate a strong sense of security. We wanted people to feel that they were getting into something substantial, secure and significant."

Chrysler Pacifica's "face" is protective and distinguished. The all-new grille, which is indicative of future Chrysler brand vehicles, bears a new rendition of Chrysler's prominent chrome winged badge and elegant seal. The bumper features chrome accents and an offset that hints at the strength underneath. A distinctive, tailored center peak line graces the hood. In addition to fog lamps, large, uniquely-shaped headlamps with projector low-beams and complex parabola high-beams promise to illuminate the road ahead.

Pacifica's solid, sleek shape continues in the side profile, which emphasizes 17-inch satin silver wheels that are flush with the body. The high beltline is accented by a black molding that begins at the base of the windshield and continues to the taillamps, giving the Chrysler Pacifica a low, solid stance.

A crisp, distinctive character line begins at the front wheel opening and ramps slowly toward the rear to emphasize the high beltline, and lends to the vehicle's broad-shouldered appearance. Overall, the side view showcases a new proportion of glass-to-sheet metal which Chrysler designers view as the next trend in automotive design.

"With Pacifica, we revisited the proportions of glass to sheet metal," said Dehner. "We wanted the side profile to be two-thirds sheet metal and one-third glass. More sheet metal and less glass communicates an armored, protective quality to the consumer."

Chrysler Pacifica's rear view is distinctive with its integrated black spoiler, which extendsthe roofline and houses a center-mounted brake light. Similar to Pacifica's front view, a substantial bumper offset is enhanced by chrome accents integrated into the top corners, providing an elegant yet solid, tailored appearance.

Interior: First Class in First and Second Rows

"From the moment you open Chrysler Pacifica's doors, you will feel like you are sitting in something significant," said Designer Steve Sowinski. "The interior is clean, precise, and sculpted. It fulfills the promise of the exterior."

The first-class experience is established immediately upon opening Pacifica's doors and getting into the vehicle. While SUVs require occupants to step up into the vehicle and cars require a step-down effort, with Chrysler Pacifica it's "step across" - just right.

The Chrysler Pacifica's driver-oriented instrument panel is enhanced with dynamic lines, accelerating curves and robust surfaces. The ignition switch is conveniently located on the instrument panel, which is designed with precise, flush-fitted surfaces and features satin silver accents, completing the vehicle's high-quality appearance.

A wood accent is used on the instrument panel and continues on the top of the doors into the second-row seating area. The shifter knob is leather-wrapped with a chrome accent. The shifter bezel is finished in the same silver accent as the door trim and instrument panel bezels.

The instrument cluster features an integrated navigation system directly in the driver's view. The technology is referred to as "thin film transfer display," which makes viewing the navigation information as easy as viewing the speedometer. Navigation controls are flush, easy to reach and conveniently located on the instrument panel to the right of the cluster.

Both first- and second-row seats are chair-height, giving occupants a strong sense of security and command-of-the-road while providing excellent ingress and egress. For versatility, second and third row seats conveniently fold flat. And for ultimate first-class travel, passengers seated in the second row will enjoy the comfort and convenience of heated captain's chairs.

Power controls are conveniently located on the door panel where the driver and passenger may adjust memory seats, lumbar support, thigh support, adjustable pedals or heated seats. In addition, Chrysler Pacifica features a continuous, full-length center console complete with dual cup holders, storage area and adjustable air outlets. A flip-down, roof-mounted DVD screen is available to rear seat occupants and a theater-style surround sound audio system comes complete with eight Infinity® speakers, bringing movies and music to life.

"Chrysler Pacifica is a unique combination of comfort, premium interior features and versatile space presented in a design statement that communicates passion for the brand and the entire company," said Sowinski. "When people get into Chrysler Pacifica, they will be sitting in the heart and soul of our next segment buster. We want them to feel the passion and spirit of those of us who brought it to life."

Chrysler Pacifica Designed, Defined with Safety in Mind

Early in vehicle development, the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica was assigned the internal code, "The Protector."

"'The Protector' is really about the driver and his or her responsibility for getting everybody home safely," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President-Family Vehicle Product Team. "Chrysler Pacifica provides the tools the driver needs to fulfill that role. The first-class seating position, cockpit-style controls, all-wheel-drive and sport-sedan handling help the driver avoid accidents. If a crash does occur, safety systems such as the three-row side curtain air bags help keep occupants safe."

"We set stringent internal safety targets right from the beginning of development and carried them all the way through production," Donoughe added.

"Chrysler Pacifica is one of world's first vehicles to offer a three-row side curtain air bag, that will be standard equipment on the vehicle which goes on sale in the spring of 2003. The ceiling-mounted side curtain air bag deploys downward and provides full-side window coverage. The air bag was tested to the voluntary standards set by the industry's Side Air Bag Technical Working Group. In addition, Chrysler Group engineers also used the "pole test," which mimics accidents such as hitting a telephone pole or tree, to evaluate the side air bag sensing system. These types of accidents may be severe because the crash forces are concentrated in a relatively small area of the vehicle."

"Chrysler Pacifica meets Chrysler engineers' strict criteria for handling and stability. The unique sports tourer package is designed with a wide track for optimal handling and stability. Although the Chrysler Pacifica is taller than most passenger cars, its suspension, steering and ride are calibrated to achieve sport sedan cornering and handling qualities. Additionally, knowledge was shared across the DaimlerChrysler family to ensure that the Chrysler Pacifica's rear suspension incorporates "best practices" in technology and design."

"Chrysler Pacifica does not share components, but it does share a common rear suspension design architecture with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class," Donoughe said. "Not only did we benefit from adopting the suspension design, but Chrysler Pacifica also benefited from undergoing development testing in the DaimlerChrysler Driving Simulator in Berlin."

"Mercedes was the first automaker to adapt aerospace simulation technology for automotive development. The driving simulator enables engineers to drive a car when it exists only as a collection of computer data. Consequently, engineers are able to test the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes before the first prototype is built. This technology also evaluates traction control and center of gravity to optimize the vehicle's handling performance."

Chrysler Pacifica's advanced restraint system encompasses the seat belts, air bags and sensors to optimize occupant protection in the event of a crash. In addition to the side curtain air bag, Chrysler Pacifica also provides the first Chrysler Group inflatable knee blocker. Located just below the steering column, the knee blocker helps to reduce potential leg injuries in a crash. It also aids in appropriately positioning the driver to get the full safety benefit of the total restraint system.

Enhanced multi-stage driver and passenger air bags deploy at various levels based on the severity of the crash. Two charges in the air bag module are triggered separately. A minor impact will trigger a low-power deployment while a severe impact will deploy a more high-powered discharge in order to optimize occupant protection. The sophisticated driver air bag works in conjunction with the energy-absorbing steering wheel, patented steering column and inflatable knee blocker to provide supplemental restraints in frontal or near-frontal impacts.

Seat belts are the first line of defense against injury in a crash. Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with front seat belt pretensioners and constant force retractors. Both are located within the seat belt retractor system and activated simultaneously with air bag deployment. Pretensioners tighten the seat belt to keep the occupant in place while constant force retractors minimize the load to reduce upper body injuries from the excessive force of the seat belt when it presses against the body.

"Loaded with safety and security features, Chrysler Pacifica was designed to give drivers and other occupants a peace of mind," said Donoughe. "All drivers want to safeguard their families on the road and Chrysler Pacifica assists in that mission."

Following are safety technology and features in alphabetical order for the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica:

All-wheel Drive: Combines front-wheel and rear-wheel drive by transferring engine power to all four wheels. It provides the pulling power of front-wheel drive and the pushing power of rear-wheel drive for superior traction, control and acceleration.

Body Structure: Crush beads and stiffeners engineered into the vehicle body help absorb the energy, while preserving the integrity of the vehicle compartment. These reinforcements provide additional protection in an offset-type impact.

Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) eases installation of compatible aftermarket child seats.

Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Seat belts include a mechanical device designed to distribute the force of a seat belt according to the load or force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system, and gradually release seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe crash.

Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to identify the vehicle and reach the occupant as system turns on the interior lighting and unlocks the doors after air bag deployment.

Exclusive Energy-Absorbing Steering Column: A patent-pending steering column designed with collapsible straps absorbs more energy, potentially reducing chest injuries in a collision.

Front Crush Sensors: Two sensors located below the headlamps measure the severity of the impact and relay crash information to safety systems in the occupant compartment.

Inflatable Knee Blocker (driver side only): Pacifica is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer this feature. The knee blocker inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment. It potentially increases leg protection in an impact and helps to position the driver relative
to the air bag.

Multi-stage Air Bags: Multi-stage air bags deploy at three different rates depending on the severity of a crash. In low-severity collisions, the air bag deploys with less force, and the force is increased during severe collisions.

Pretensioners: During a collision, seat belt pretensioners electronically sense a severe crash and immediately remove slack from the seat belts which reduces the forward movement of the occupant's head and torso.

Side Curtain Air Bags: Chrysler Pacifica is one of the first vehicles to offer side curtain air bags that provide full-length coverage for all three rows of seats. The side curtain extends protection to all outboard passengers. Both side curtain air bags have their own impact sensor in order to trigger the air bag on the side where the impact occurs.

Three-point Lap/Shoulder Belt: All six seating positions feature a three-point restraint system, which maximizes the effectiveness of the seat belt in certain collisions.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System: The advanced system monitors the pressure inside each tire and alerts the driver to improper tire pressure conditions.

Chrysler Group's Windsor Assembly Plant Launches Next Phase of Flexible Manufacturing

· Company Saves $100 Million During Production Launch of All-New 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
· Two Vehicles from Different Platforms Manufactured in One Facility
· Chrysler Pacifica Pilot Vehicles Result in Improved Quality, Enhanced Production Speed, and Reduced Cost

DaimlerChrysler's Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant moves the company to the next level of flexible manufacturing by adding the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica sports tourer to the same production line as its best-selling Chrysler and Dodge minivans.

The ability to produce several vehicles under the same roof allows the Chrysler Group to save millions of investment dollars and bring a vehicle to market faster, with even higher quality levels and minimal downtime.

With flexible manufacturing, the Chrysler Group will save nearly $100 million (U.S.) for the Pacifica launch while simultaneously reducing tooling and facilities capital expenditures by approximately 30 percent. Savings are realized by using the company's worldwide resources and a total system approach. A combination of creative bidding on tooling, digital manufacturing and full asset utilization contributes to the overall savings.

"For the first time ever, we're able to produce two different products, on two entirely different platforms, on the same production line as a result of flexible manufacturing initiatives," said Tom LaSorda, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing. "Flexibility lends to better use of our capacity, with less cost, while maintaining our competitive position within the industry."

Keys to Flexibility

The key to flexible manufacturing process is the order in which the body is assembled, using a unique underbody palette system in the body shop. The same flexible palette system has also been used at the company's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan where Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Dodge Stratus are manufactured, as well as the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio, where Jeep® Liberty and Wrangler are produced. This means that the same production system may be used to build sedans, convertibles, minivans, sport-utility vehicles, and now, sports tourers.

"A flexible manufacturing system will give the Chrysler Group the ability to increase or decrease production with ease, depending on market demand," said LaSorda.

Production of the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica began in January of 2003 at DaimlerChrysler's Windsor Assembly Plant. While the Pacifica is built in the same plant as Chrysler and Dodge minivans, the vehicle is built on its own new, unique platform, but uses existing corporate components, including the same proven 3.5-liter V-6 engine that powers the award-winning Chrysler 300M.

The vehicles share several production processes as a result of the plant's ability toaccommodate a unique vehicle architecture. For example, Windsor's flexible body shop uses common processes of underbody framing and panel lines, paint systems and final assembly between the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler and Dodge minivans. A few unique body sub-assembly systems (engine box, underbody sub-assembly and body sides) for the Chrysler Pacifica are in satellite areas within the Windsor Assembly Plant.

With the production of both Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler and Dodge minivans, the Windsor Assembly Plant will employ approximately 5,900 people, and maintain a line speed of 1,325 units per day, or more than 330,000 combined units annually on a three-shift operation when fully up and running. More than $300 million (U.S.) was invested into the Windsor Assembly Plant to accommodate Pacifica production.

Pilot Vehicles Increase Quality Levels

The ability to build multiple products on the same line enables the company to effectively build pilot vehicles, or test prototypes, in the assembly plant much earlier in the launch phase. Building pilot vehicles on the same line as production vehicles allows the company to train employees as well as detect and address any remaining issues in order to meet stringent quality levels.

The Windsor Assembly Plant built 140 Chrysler Pacifica pilots on the same assembly line as the minivan before the start of production. This uninterrupted and continuous approach to manufacturing will allow Pacifica production to be increased as the market dictates.

"We are working toward creating a foot-print for a flexible manufacturing process that will benefit the entire corporation," said Mike Tonietto, Plant Manager, Windsor Assembly Plant. "Our employees and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) are proud that the Windsor Assembly Plant has been given the opportunity to produce the latest segment buster from the Chrysler Group. Together we will succeed."

Chrysler Pacifica Offers DVD-Based Navigation System

· Keeps Eyes on the Road
· System Safely and Conveniently Housed in Center of Instrument Panel
· Cleverly Packaged with Eight Different Ways to Seek Destinations

Driver safety and customer-friendly features were top-of-mind when Chrysler Group engineers designed the innovative new DVD-based navigation system for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica.

The navigation system's display is conveniently located in the instrument cluster - within the speedometer, making it easy to read and safe to use, day or night. The Pacifica is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer a factory-installed, DVD-based navigation system.

"We went straight to Chrysler Group customers to ask what they were looking for in a navigation system," said Mike Evans, Vice President of Product Planning. "Not surprisingly, they wanted a system that was safe and simple to operate, in the driver's general line of sight, and loaded with practical features. Pacifica's navigation system hits the mark in all categories."

The navigation system includes a small button pad located to the right of the instrument cluster, within easy reach of the driver. Inputting a destination by address, phone number or points of interest category selections are easily accomplished by following the user-friendly screen prompts. The system allows full access to input information when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, however, certain tasks are purposely limited while the vehicle is in motion.

For instance, programmable options such as editing the personal address book or inputting a new address are unavailable until Pacifica comes to a complete stop for safety reasons. Prior destinations, emergency locations (hospitals, police and fire departments) and previously stored address book locations may be selected at any time. The navigation system also works with the vehicle's audio system to deliver voice commands so that the driver may keep his or her eyes on the road.

Chrysler Group selected Alpine Electronics, a supplier of high-performance mobile electronics systems, to provide the navigation unit, GPS antenna, and map database information. The map database information is housed on a single DVD-ROM.

This single DVD solution contains mapping, points of interest, and business phone numbers throughout the United States (where digitized mapping data and information are available), which makes travel destination routing an easy step. The single DVD solution eliminates the need to handle and store multiple discs needed in CD-based solutions. In addition, route calculations may be made quickly due to Alpine's proprietary software algorithms that provide routing information within ten seconds. This becomes very important when a driver misses a turn and needs an immediate re-route.

The navigation system receives its GPS or global positioning system signals from up to eight satellites. A gyroscope and the vehicle's speed sensor enable the system to display the present vehicle position even in locations where a GPS signal may not be available. When a destination is entered, the navigation system uses data from the DVD to quickly calculate a route. As the user drives, pictorial displays and voice command prompts serve as guides.

The navigation system is another example of Chrysler Pacifica's clever packaging, and underscores how Chrysler Pacifica is a fresh alternative in the premium vehicle market," said Evans.

Navigation System Buttons

Up/Down/Left/Right:

Selects menu options and destination entry. Also enables you to
change scale of map

Enter: Confirms selections and changes map scale

Nav: Activates the system. Also used to access the main menu.

Cancel: Backs up one screen, allows cancellation of the existing route guidance and turns off system

Navigation System Features

Destinations may be selected from eight categories:

Address: Enter address

Intersection: Enter two cross street names

Point of Interest (POI): Select a destination from a list of locations and public places,
which are grouped by category

Recent Route: Choose from one of the 10 most recent route calculations entered

Personal Address Book: Select an entry from the personal address book

Phone Number: Use a business phone number to find the route to the location

Vehicle's Home Location: Provides a quick and easy method to calculate a route
from the vehicle's current location to the home location

Location Selected from Map Display: Select directly from the map or point of interest

Re-route: This function allows a search by the quickest, minimum or maximum freeway,
and minimum toll routes

Trip Itinerary: Calculates the most efficient route to multiple destinations

Personal Phone Number and Address Book: Allows user to store more than 100 entries

Map Scale and Map Scrolling: Use arrow buttons to zoom map in and out. Press the
desired arrow button and the map scrolls in designated direction

Language and Unit of Measure: Display and voice prompt may be set for English, Spanish or French as well as metric or U.S. units of measure
Map and/or Turn-by-Turn Directions: The route may be displayed via map, turn arrows or both

Innovative UConnect Communication System Featured in 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

· First Factory-installed Availability
· Provides Customers with "Take it Anywhere" Sense of Freedom and Flexibility

UConnect, Chrysler Group's hands-free, in-vehicle communication system, makes its debut as a factory-installed option on the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. UConnect focuses on personal mobility, convenience and affordability.

Utilizing Bluetooth ™ technology, the system's communication is driven through a user's personal mobile phone, and works both inside and outside the vehicle.

The UConnect system is integrated into Pacifica's electrical architecture, which allows the audio to be heard through the radio speakers. A microphone housed in Pacifica's rearview mirror serves as the driver interface. The user's mobile phone may then be placed wherever the user chooses within the vehicle. Conversations may be continued upon entering or exiting, without disrupting the call. Calls may be linked to UConnect within 30 feet of the vehicle.

"UConnect offers Chrysler Group customers with a hands-free system that is affordable, easy-to-use and enables each individual customer to use their own phone and service," said Jack Withrow, Director of Vehicle Entertainment and Communications. "UConnect is technology that's in touch with the customer."

The factory-installed UConnect Communication System option on the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica features:

Voice Dialing: Voice commands may be used to dial the phone

Audio Address Book: Enables customers to store 32 names with up to four phone numbers each

Audio System Mute: Mutes the microphone for privacy

Caller ID: The phone number of the caller appears on the radio display

Call Transfer: Allows the customer to transfer a call from the vehicle's system to the mobile phone or from the mobile phone to the vehicle system

Three Languages: English, French and Spanish

Multi-phone Recognition: Up to five phones may be used with the vehicle's system

UConnect adapts to the user's specific needs and lifestyles. Consumers are able to sign up for wireless and enhanced services with Chrysler Group's preferred carrier, AT&T Wireless, or keep their current wireless carrier and telephone number.

"UConnect places an emphasis on creating a safe driving environment while enabling customers to choose the services they want," said Jim Kohut, Senior Manager of Corporate Telematics Product Development. "It's all about safety, freedom and flexibility for the customer."

Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology, enables different devices to connect to each other without cables or wires. It is a low-cost, low-power consumption, highly-flexible technology that's becoming the global standard in the wireless industry. UConnect is the first generation in a family of hands-free, voice-activated, Bluetooth-powered offerings.

The Chrysler Group announced its industry-first vehicle communications system in October 2001.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Option Available on Chrysler Pacifica

The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica's satellite radio features programming by SIRIUS satellite radio. In addition to providing coast-to-coast coverage in the United States of up to 100 channels, SIRIUS is the only service provider that has 60 channels of commercial-free music. The remaining 40 channels include news, talk, sports, and entertainment.

"With up to 100 channels, there's something for everyone listening to SIRIUS satellite radio," said Jack Withrow, Director of Vehicle Entertainment and Communications. "SIRIUS satellite radio makes driving the all-new Pacifica an experience that's multi-generational, multi-cultural, educational, and entertaining."

Organized into 13 categories of music, sports, news and entertainment channels,
SIRIUS employs S>Plex technology (statistical multiplexing) which optimizes the fidelity on each channel for superior sound resolution. Listeners may choose from a variety of channels including the Best of the '50s/'60s, '70s, '80s or '90s stations, rock channels, The Weather Channel Radio Network, and comedy channels. In addition, SIRIUS offers five music and five talk channels dedicated to Spanish-speaking programming.

Consumers selecting the SIRIUS satellite radio option in their Pacifica will receive a small, mouse-size antenna mounted to the roof of the vehicle. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as selecting an AM or FM station. Consumers will be able to scan channels or select pre-set buttons for their favorite channels. Consumers will also be able to search both by music category and channel, which will be displayed on the radio screen.

Zoot

way too much to read...but it looks...um....

Collective27

Ya only read about half of it...but am i the only one that dosnt think this thing is all that new of a vehical as chryslar is saying it is...and i did read the quote that they said now almost everything in there showroom will turn heads...are they serious, i dont think i ever turn my head at any chrysler car, except maby the pt cruser just to think of how ugly it is, or the prowler but they dont make it anymore....and i dont think ill be looking at this once its on the road....

bkknight369

wow wtf...do you have any more pics of that crazy navi? thats real cool

gavriil

I agree. The idea of a Crossover is not invented with this vehicle. In my opinion the first crossover was the RX300.

Red Nj-s

That is good looking, cept for the cheap chrysler-ish rims and interior. The nav is hot. It is priced well, should be a seller.

RidinLow

Anybody else notice the Mercedes switchgear? (mainly the gauges & seat adjusters)

gavriil

By Gail Kachadourian
Automotive News / June 13, 2003

The Chrysler group plans to introduce a de-contented Pacifica this summer that will retail for less than $30,000, a spokesman says.

Chrysler, which is trying to enhance its near-luxury image while boosting volume, also plans to offer a cheaper version of the PT Cruiser this summer.

The automaker has capacity to build 100,000 Pacificas annually at the Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant. Vehicles arrived at dealerships in March, and thorugh May, Chrysler sold 4,828 Pacificas. Chrysler expects Pacifica sales to reach 60,000 units this year, increasing to 100,000 units in 2004.

Adding the de-contented Pacifica was not a spontaneous decision, according to Chrysler spokesman Bryan Zvibleman. "This has always been in the launch plan," Zvibleman says.

Production began in February and in the first 45 days, Chrysler built only all-wheel-drive models. It has since started building front-wheel-drive models, which are $1,750 cheaper. The new de-contented model, which also will have standard fwd, goes into production in August.

Chrysler would not project what percentage of Pacificas sold this year will be the cheaper models.

The base price for the all-wheel-drive Pacifica is $32,980, including $680 destination. Base price for the front-wheel-drive model is $31,230, including $680 destination charge.

1SICKLEX

I cannot take a 30k plus Chrysler serious.

chef chris

Agreed.

Zoot

how will this help their new "up-market" image???

gavriil

Good question.

heyitsme

the de-contented pacifica doesn't exactly sound like a bargain compared to the contented pacifica. awd as a $1750 option sounds like a deal to me.

matteichenfels

If I didn't own an Acura, I'd own a Chrysler( I have in the past) No doubt they are the best-looking American-made cars on the road today.

1SICKLEX

CHICAGO, June 30 — DaimlerChrysler said Monday it would restructure its truck business and save several hundred million dollars a year by sharing major parts across different models. The car maker will consolidate all of its truck development units under one management beginning in January. Meanwhile, the automaker’s much ballyhooed Pacifica model is under the microscope because of criticisms and questions about its marketability.
THIS IS ONE of the first vehicles to truly come out of the marriage of Daimler Benz and Chrysler. And so far it’s struggling to catch on — a clear example of how tough it is to create a new market for a car or truck.
The Pacifica is designed to be an upscale vehicle that combines the best elements of a car, an SUV, and minivan. But in trying to combine the best of all worlds, there are some who wonder if Chrysler has failed.
When Chrysler unveiled the new Pacifica model, the company called it a segment buster. The new model has the space of an SUV, with the handling of a car, and the seating of a minivan. In theory, it should be a hit. But so far, it’s not.
Advertisement




“It’s a deluxe vehicle, it’s very nice inside,” said Rich Ceppos, publisher of Auto Week. “Chrysler is trying to move upmarket, so its decked it out nicer than Chrysler’s past. But it has not, to this point, been as successful as Chrysler would like it to be.”
Chrysler is expected to announce that it sold at least 5,000 Pacificas in June — more than double the pace of May. But even at that rate, the research firm Autodata estimates Chrysler will sell roughly 50,000 Pacifica’s in it’s first year of production. That would be well short of the company’s sales goal of 80,000.
Still, Chrysler says it’s too early to pass judgment on the Pacifica.
“The competition is tough, there are lots of good choices,” said Chrysler spokesman Tom Marinelli, “and that’s one of the things that makes it such a delightful buyers’ market in the U.S. because there’s a lot of great choices, but we think we have a proposition that is better than anybody’s out there.”
Critics disagree. They say Pacifica sales are sluggish because the car is priced too high — at just under $33,000 — and doesn’t perform very well, with a powertrain that some consider lackluster, given the vehicle’s size.
“It’s too heavy for its powertrain, too heavy for what it is period,” said Bill Visnic at WardsAuto.com. “There’s no reason to be hauling 4,700 pounds of an all-wheel drive vehicle, regardless of whether there’s a third row (seat).”
Despite those criticisms, and sluggish sales, Chrysler still believes the Pacifica is a segment buster that will draw buyers who want something other than a car, truck, or minivan.
“There have been SUVs and minivans,” said Marinelli. “Everybody knows what they are and what they’re supposed to do. And there have been station wagons, that people have generally stayed away from recently. But this thing crosses all of those borders, and time will tell how accepted it is.”
To broaden the appeal of the Pacifica, Daimler Chrysler will roll out a new version of the car with fewer bells and whistles and a lower price tag — one that could drop below $30,000.
Chrysler still believes it will hit its sales goal of 80,000 Pacificas in the first year. And that could happen, depending on the incentives it puts on the Pacifica. But the more cash the company puts on the hood, the more it cuts into profit margins.

Red Nj-s

More proof, despite the consant clamoring of enviornmentalists, that people WANT SUV'S! Not pussy ass wagons, that look more momish than even minivans.

People want real, high riding, trucklike SUV'S. They are go anywhere/run over anything capability, high ride height, a great ride (you cant feel a single pothole in most large suv's), and most of all TOUGHNESS. People want to feel protected from the elements in an SUV, a puny car based wagon won't cut it.

I should run car companies.

AcuraFan

Rough and tough SUVs like the MDX and RX300? ...two of many hugely popular SUVs that lean more toward the crossover community. I just think the Pacifica is too much of a wagon and not marketed well enough. That's why it's slow, not because it's not "tough" enough. IMHO

Moog-Type-S

Zoot

I see plenty of Pacifica's on the road....strange....

gavriil

If the Pacifica wont sell, Chrysler is in huge short term trouble. DCX that is.

Red Nj-s

The MDX and RX still LOOk like SUV's. Just more luxurious, and preety versions.

The Pacifica looks like a station wagon/ minivan. Hense not tough enough.

People who are looking for a preety SUV want it to:

a) look like an SUV
b) be a high end name plate

kansaiwalker1

Daimler to suspend Pacifica plant

Windsor factory to be shut for 2 weeks



By GREG KEENAN
From Friday's Globe and Mail

The Windsor, Ont., assembly plant turning out the vehicle carrying DaimlerChrysler AG's hopes for a revival in the North American market will be shut for two weeks later this month because of slack demand.
The auto maker will shut its Windsor Assembly Plant, which makes the Pacifica crossover utility vehicle -- and another key product, the company's minivans -- during the last week of October and the first week of November amid slow demand for both the minivans and the Pacifica, which has been on the market less than six months.

The closing is the latest blow to DaimlerChrysler, which is engaged in a brutal pricing and incentive war in the North American market, but was hoping to use leading-edge new vehicles such as the Pacifica to leap ahead of its competitors and reduce profit-sapping incentives.

In fact, DaimlerChrysler Corp. president Dieter Zetsche called the North American market a "jungle" earlier this week.

"It's a bit scary when your main plant goes down for two weeks," said Ken Lewenza, president of local 444 of the Canadian Auto Workers union, which represents workers at the plant.

"I thought the Pacifica was going to be a huge hit."

About 6,000 DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. employees will be affected.

It's strange, Mr. Lewenza said, to go from a situation where workers were putting in overtime on Saturdays and Sundays a few weeks ago to make up for production lost during the blackout, to the point where the plant will be shut down for two weeks.

DaimlerChrysler Canada spokeswoman Kerrey Kerr said the auto maker doesn't reveal production plans for more than one week ahead.

"It's pretty bad," said Ron Tadross, who follows the industry for Banc of America Securities Inc. in New York. "It probably says a lot about Pacifica. They probably need to put more money on Pacifica."

The Pacifica, which is made only in Windsor, is the first vehicle coming from a new product offensive on which the Chrysler group is pinning hopes for a market share recovery in North America. It arrived on dealers' lots earlier this year and was followed soon after by the Crossfire sports coupe. A new version of the auto maker's Durango sport utility vehicle will be out next month.

Mr. Zetsche said those three vehicles will be followed by another nine new cars and trucks next year and a total of 25 during the next three years.

The Pacifica was burdened, however, by a messy launch. The auto maker started out manufacturing just the high-priced versions -- $35,000 (U.S.) in the United States and more than $40,000 (Canadian) in Canada -- and shocked buyers.

"They have not earned the right to charge that much for a vehicle," one industry analyst said yesterday of Chrysler. "The thing is overpriced for what you're getting."

Chrysler now is offering a $2,000 (U.S.) rebate on the Pacifica in the U.S. market, where the base-priced model at $29,525 is more available.

Chrysler's minivans once set the standard for the industry as well and generated enough sales to keep the Windsor factory and another one in St. Louis humming. The Windsor factory operates on three shifts and Saturday overtime was a regular feature for more than a decade.

Minivan sales fell 9 per cent in the first nine months of the year in the U.S. market. They dropped to 296,232 from 324,140.

But inventories on the minivans and the Pacifica have not reached dangerous levels, while supplies of Town & Country and Caravan minivans sat at 49 days and 54 days respectively. A 60 days' supply is considered healthy.

gavriil

I've said/posted this before:

If the Pacifica wont sell well, it's almost certain Chrysler will be in unrecoverable trouble.

gavriil

Relevant note:

I was reading yesterday on a plane from DC that Chrysler's CEO has announced that 15 new models will appear from Chrysler in the next 3 years. Talk about a revitalization. I will find the article and post a seperate thread.

gavriil

Sorry. Make that 25! new models in the next 3 years. Wow!

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...hreadid=116278

gavriil

Chrysler puts $3,000 cash rebate on Pacifica

Reuters / October 17, 2003

DETROIT -- The Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler said on Thursday it was offering a $3,000 cash rebate on its Pacifica wagon, highlighting disappointing initial sales of the vehicle.

As an alternative to the cash back deal, which also took effect on Thursday, Chrysler spokesman David Elshoff said customers would be offered interest-free financing toward purchases of a Pacifica for up to five years.

The 2004 Pacifica, a broad-shouldered cross between a minivan and SUV, was billed as an exciting new product that was sure to bolster Chrysler's bottom line when it went on sale in March.

But its high price tag, which tops out in excess of $40,000, is a turnoff for many traditional Chrysler buyers.

Buzz about the Pacifica, which Chrysler has touted as a "segment buster," may also have been hurt by car reviews spotlighting what some critics describe as the chunky vehicle's sluggish engine.

In another escalation of Detroit's long-running price war, which has eroded profits across the U.S. auto industry, Elshoff said Chrysler had also begun offering cash rebates totaling up to $5,000 on many of its 2003 model minivans.

Rebates on 2004 model minivans, including the high-end Town and Country, now total up to $4,000 across much of the United States, Elshoff said.

Chrysler, which posted a surprising $1.1 billion second-quarter loss, faces fierce competition in the minivan segment due to new product offerings from Japan's top three automakers.

chef chris

pos pacifica...

it was a good idea...but chrysler dropped the ball with the engine...

kansaiwalker1

The death spiral continues....

Sdog2012

man, there are already almost as many pacificas as suburbans on the roads out here now

Red Rider

3 mistakes :

1. Too heavy
2. Underpowered
3. Celine Dion

kansaiwalker1

Mistake #3 could be the fatal one!

charliemike

If American car manufacturers would just realize that they'd be better off pricing their cars for less than offering a rebate they'd be better off.

ItalianStallion

i actually like the pacifica. i wouldnt buy one but theyre a nice direction for DC. alot better looking than alot of stuff on the road.

Python2121

its so damn big, wtf i dont want another land monster, howabout make it smaller and use the space better, people dont need all that space

Python2121

and wow 1.1 billion quarter loss thats unbelivable, at least the town and country is a nice minivan

kansaiwalker1

Chrysler to build cheaper Pacifica


By GREG KEENAN
From Monday's Globe and Mail


The Chrysler group is planning to build a new, cheaper version of its struggling Pacifica crossover utility vehicle, industry sources say, a move that deals a blow to the auto maker's strategy of distancing itself from competitors by offering premium-priced vehicles.

The new vehicle — assembled at the company's Windsor, Ont., minivan plant — is scheduled to go into production next year as a 2005 model, but will offer significantly less content than the two versions currently offered, industry sources familiar with the program said.

The scaled-down version will have just two rows of seats instead of the three rows that are standard on the current versions. Some other luxury features now offered as standard equipment will also be eliminated, the sources said.

"From what I'm hearing, it's definitely a go," said Jeff Schuster, senior manager of forecasting and product planning for automotive consulting firm J.D. Power and Associates.

Chrysler officials would not confirm the move.

"We don't comment on future products," DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. spokeswoman Kerrey Kerr said.

The shift in strategy underlines the difficulty the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler AG is facing as it tries to upgrade its vehicles and push them into premium categories and out of the traditional mass market segments where it has always played.

This is a key part of the company's plans for its flagship passenger cars being assembled in Brampton, Ont. Those cars, identified so far as the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300C, will be switched to rear-wheel-drive from front-wheel-drive, putting them in territory now occupied by luxury makers such as another DaimlerChrysler division, Mercedes-Benz and the Lexus division of Toyota Motor Corp.

Chrysler officials were also hoping that strategy would enable the company to withdraw — at least in part — from the fierce incentive battle that has all but wiped out profits for the Detroit-based auto makers.

Sales of the Pacifica struggled initially after Chrysler messed up the launch by offering only the most expensive versions of the vehicle first and having few base-priced models on hand.

The all-wheel-drive model originally sold for a base price of $32,980 (U.S.) without options. The front-wheel-drive version fetches $29,525. Both now come with a $3,000 rebate Chrysler slapped on the vehicle earlier this month or a five-year, interest-free loan.

x The all-wheel-drive version offers such standard equipment as premium power front seats, side curtain air bags and automatic dimming rear-view mirrors.

The price tag of up to $40,000 after options and taxes didn't sit well with consumers.

Purchasers of vehicles are currently enjoying a sustained run of deflation in the North American auto market because of fierce competition and the incentive wars.

"We had to learn our lessons," Manfred Gentz, chief financial officer for DaimlerChrysler AG, acknowledged last week on a conference call with analysts.

The Chrysler group took the unusual step last week of sending out a news release quoting dealers and customers in the United States lauding the vehicle and bragging that the auto maker has created an entirely new vehicle segment with Pacifica.

The news release said sales of Pacifica have increased every month since the vehicle went on sale in March and reached 7,589 in the U.S. market last month.

But initial projections were that 120,000 Pacifica models a year would roll off the assembly lines in Windsor, where it is put together along with Chrysler's minivans.

About 80,000 will probably be sold this year, said Mr. Schuster of J.D. Power.

"I don't think they're going to do 120,000 next year," he said.

With a major restructuring that involved more than 25,000 job cuts and several plant shutdowns — including a plant in Windsor that assembled full-sized vans — Chrysler has reduced its costs.

But that has not been enough to restore profitability because the incentive wars have taken a bit out of the revenue side of the financial statements.

"What really hurts for Chrysler is the lack of a place to hide from the price wars," Saul Rubin, an auto analyst for UBS Securities LLC in New York, wrote in a report on the company last month.

The failure of Pacifica to attract new customers at the higher price point means it has not helped out as much as Chrysler hoped and pushing up the prices for the passenger cars early next year is a risky strategy as well, Mr. Rubin wrote.

charliemike

The thing is too expensive and a little too bland. Definitely not a "must see in person" vehicle.

Concept:



Production Model:



The difference might be subtle, but I think it's enough to make the production vehicle look cheap.

gavriil

Merged here...

1SICKLEX

It's not ugly, it good looking. But it's a VAN no matter what they say. And a damn good van. But Chrysler has yet to realize for 35-40k, people WANT a luxury BADGE.

I bet the resale of this thing is gonna be the usual CHrysler bad, it will be a GREAT buy in a year or two.

heyitsme

i dunno, the toyota sienna goes up to the high 30's. think the prob is they are only going after the luxury market, 30k range instead of covering the base range and luxury like the sienna does. what chrysler is doing reminds me of what vw is trying to do and its not going to be easy.