Special Report: Canada 100 Years of Operations

1925
Chrysler Corporation of Canada Ltd. incorporates in Windsor, Ontario, on June 17, 1925, as successor to Maxwell-Chalmers Motor Company of Canada.

The company’s first president is Ohio-born John D. Mansfield, formerly of Dort Motor Co., Flint, Michigan.

Company has 181 employees and 61,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space and produces 4,500 cars in its first year.

1928
Plymouth and DeSoto Divisions are established, making Chrysler a full-line Canadian auto manufacturer. Also, acquires Dodge Bros. (Canada) and truck manufacturer Graham Bros. (Canada).

1929
Chrysler Corporation of Canada opens expanded 280,000-square-foot Passenger Car Assembly Plant on 70-acre site on the outskirts of Windsor. This much enlarged facility is the nucleus of present-day Windsor Assembly Plant.

1931
First Canadian Dodge trucks are built in original Maxwell-Chalmers Plant on Tecumseh Rd. E., Fargo trucks added in 1935.

1938
Engine Manufacturing Plant opens just south of Passenger Car Plant to make six-cylinder motors for Windsor-built Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler passenger cars and Dodge and Fargo trucks.

National Parts Distribution Centre opens in Chatham, Ontario.

1939 – 1945
Chrysler Corporation of Canada plants convert to war production. Company turns out 181,000 military trucks, millions of rocket tubes and shells, tracers, igniters and gun parts. Chrysler also operates gun plant in Sorel, Quebec.

1942
C. W. Churchill succeeds John D. Mansfield as president of Chrysler Corporation of Canada. Born in Detroit, Churchill worked for Winton and Buick before joining Chrysler in 1934.

1945
Major addition is completed at Windsor's Passenger Car Plant.

1949
New Canadian headquarters office building opens on Chrysler Centre, a road across from the Passenger Car Plant, replacing the former head office at Tecumseh Rd. E. plant.

1951
E. C. Row succeeds C. W. Churchill as president. Born in Ohio, Row worked for Dodge Bros. and Chrysler Corp. before coming to Canada in 1942 as assistant to Churchill. Windsor’s E. C. Row Expressway is named for Row, who directed Chrysler Canada’s major postwar expansion in the 1950s.

1955
V-8 engine production begins at Windsor Engine Plant.

1956
Ron W. Todgham is named first Canadian-born president of Chrysler Corporation of Canada. The company’s longest-serving president, Todgham held the position for 19 years.

1959
Valiant compacts are added to production at Windsor Passenger Car Plant for 1960 model year. Windsor Engine Plant begins production of new slant-six engines for Valiant.

1963
The company’s name is shortened to Chrysler Canada Ltd.

National Parts Distribution Centre moves from Chatham to Rexdale, near Toronto.

1964
Continuing its policy of vertical integration, Chrysler Canada acquires L. A. Young Spring & Wire plants in Ajax and Windsor, former Alcan Aluminum Casting Plant in Etobicoke and Walker Metal Products Foundry in Windsor.

1966
Chrysler Canada realigns production under 1965 Canada-U.S. Auto Trade Agreement or Autopact. Company begins large-volume export of 1966 Valiants and Darts to U.S. market in exchange for vehicles not made in Canada.

1972
Large, new National Parts Depot and Ontario Regional Office open in Mississauga, west of Toronto.

1975
C. O. Hurly succeeds Ron Todgham as second Canadian-born president of Chrysler Canada. Todgham retires Sept. 30, dies Dec. 26.

Windsor Assembly Plant adds production of all-new 1975 Chrysler Cordoba and Dodge Charger.

1976
New $44 million Pillette Road Truck Assembly Plant opens in Windsor and begins production of full-size Dodge “B” Series Vans and Wagons. Former Chrysler Canada Truck Plant on Tecumseh Road builds light-duty pickups through 1978 model year.

1979
Canadian Donald H. Lander succeeds C. O. Hurly as president.

1980
Canadian-born M.J. (Moe) Closs succeeds Don Lander as president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Closs is also named a vice president of parent, Chrysler Corporation.

After 42 years, Windsor Engine Plant closes. Plant is later demolished to make way for expansion of adjacent Windsor Assembly Plant.

1983
Chrysler Canada produces five millionth vehicle since Windsor Assembly Plant opened in 1929.

Passenger car production ends after 54 years.

Windsor Assembly Plant undergoes major conversion to produce Chrysler’s revolutionary new front-wheel-drive minivans. Lee A. Iacocca officially launches production of 1984 Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in plant on Nov. 2.

1987
Chrysler Canada acquires former American Motors (Canada) Inc. Purchase includes two vehicle assembly plants, Jeep® CJ Plant in Brampton and huge, new Bramalea Car Assembly Plant near Toronto, a soft Trim Plant in Stratford, Holmes Foundry in Sarnia and Guelph Plastics Plant in Guelph, Ontario.

Bramalea Assembly Plant begins production of Renault-designed Eagle Premier in October.

1990
G. Yves Landry succeeds Moe Closs as president and CEO of Chrysler Canada.

Windsor Assembly Plant begins production of redesigned 1991 Chrysler minivans.

1991
Windsor Assembly is first auto plant to win Canadian Award for Business Excellence in prestigious quality category.

1992
Bramalea Assembly Plant converts to production of Chrysler’s all-new “LH” cars – Dodge and Chrysler Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, LH and New Yorker, and Eagle Vision.

After 31 years, former AMC Plant in Brampton closes. All employees transfer to new Bramalea Plant. Jeep production transfers to Toledo, Ohio.

1995
Windsor Assembly Plant begins production of all-new, second-generation 1996 “NS” minivans in both short- and long-wheelbase configurations.

1996
Windsor-based Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) opens as a partnership between the University of Windsor and Chrysler Canada with an initial investment of $30 million. It is the first industry/academia research partnership of its kind dedicated to automotive research, development and education.

1997
Brampton Assembly Plant begins production of redesigned second-generation “LH” cars – 1998 Intrepid, Concorde and 1999 Chrysler 300M and LHS.

1998
President Yves Landry dies on March 15. His successor W.C. (Bill) Glaub, appointed in April, dies on November 26, one week after historic DaimlerChrysler merger.

Company celebrates a banner year for Brampton Assembly Plant with the launch of the new Chrysler Intrepid and Concorde, plus the 1999 model-year Chrysler 300M and LHS. A third work shift begins in July.

1999
Edwin H. Brust is named president of Chrysler Canada on February 1.

In June, company changes its name from Chrysler Canada Ltd. to DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.

2000
Windsor Assembly Plant launches production of third-generation 2001 “RS” Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

At ARDC in September, a $500 million investment in automotive research and development is announced by the University of Windsor and DaimlerChrysler Canada. It was the single largest investment of its kind in Canadian history.

2002
DaimlerChrysler Canada moves into new headquarters office building at 1 Riverside Drive West in downtown Windsor.

At ARDC in September, an additional $11 million investment by the University of Windsor and DaimlerChrysler Canada is announced for automotive coating research to improve quality, cost and to help the environment.

An innovative new assembly operation that was dubbed the Windsor Project is cancelled in May. This assembly operation would have produced a 2005 future product that did not materialize.

2003
Windsor Assembly Plant supplements minivan production with all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica Sports Tourer.

Brampton Assembly Plant begins pilot production of 2005 Chrysler 300 Series and Dodge Magnum.

After 23 years, Pillette Road Assembly Plant closes June 12.

November marks 20th anniversary of minivan production and 10 million units sold worldwide; six million were built at Windsor Assembly.

Ajax Trim Plant closes December 19.

DaimlerChrysler Canada President Ed Brust retires on Dec. 31.

2004
Mark D. Norman becomes president of DaimlerChrysler Canada on Jan. 1, becoming 11th president in company's Canadian history.

Windsor Assembly Plant begins production of the all-new 2005 model-year minivans with the innovative Stow ‘n Go seating feature.

Brampton Assembly Plant begins production of the all-new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.

2005
Steven J. Landry becomes president of DaimlerChrysler Canada on November 1, becoming 12th president in company's Canadian history.

Windsor Assembly Plant begins production of 2006 model-year Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Brampton Assembly Plant begins production of 2006 model-year Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Brampton Assembly Plant announces production of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger.

Chrysler 300 is named North American Car of the Year.

2006
Reid Bigland becomes president and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Canada on July 1, becoming 13th president in company's Canadian history.

Chrysler announces the first full-size diesel-powered SUV to be sold in the U.S. and Canada with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD.

2007
Chrysler unveils the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Steven Landry resigns as chairman of the board. Reid Bigland assumes the post on May 4, making him chairman, president and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Canada.

In July, the company changes its name from DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. to Chrysler Canada Inc.

2008
Nearly 40 years after the debut of the original, Dodge brings back the Challenger.

A modern muscle car, the Dodge Challenger comes with a fuel-efficient V-6 option and an aggressive entry-level price. The vehicle is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant.

Since the Dodge Grand Caravan’s birth 25 years ago, 65 minivan-firsts have led to more than 12 million Chrysler and Dodge minivan sales throughout the world, solidifying Chrysler’s leadership in the segment.

Windsor Assembly Plant builds the first production Routan minivan on August 12 in partnership with Volkswagen.

The third shift is eliminated at Brampton Assembly Plant on March 28.

2009
Daimler announces separation agreement from Chrysler Group LLC, relinquishing its remaining 19.9% shareholding in the company and agreeing to pay as much as $600 million into the automaker’s pension fund.

Chrysler LLC reaches an agreement in principle to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat SpA to form a vibrant new company.

Chrysler draws $1.6 billion in loans from the Ontario provincial government and the federal government of Canada to help bridge the economic crisis impacting the auto industry.

2010
In August, the company announces an investment of $27.2 million for the Etobicoke Casting Plant, securing 280 jobs and the future of the facility.

2011
In January, Chrysler Group celebrates Job One of the new Chrysler 300/300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger at Brampton Assembly Plant.

Also in January, Chrysler Group celebrates Job One of the new Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan at Windsor Assembly Plant.

In April, Chrysler begins selling Fiat products in 58 stand-alone studios across Canada.

On May 24, Chrysler Group repays the Ontario provincial and federal governments its loans in full and with interest, six years ahead of schedule ($1.7 billion).

In August, the first production Ram Cargo Van rolls off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant.

Also in August, the first production Lancia Grand Voyager rolls off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant while the first Lancia Thema rolls off the line at Brampton Assembly Plant, both bound for foreign markets.

2012
In May, Windsor Assembly Plant becomes the first Chrysler Group assembly plant to receive Bronze status in World Class Manufacturing.

In July, the first Chrysler 300 destined for the Chinese market rolls off the line at Brampton Assembly Plant.

A new four-year agreement is signed with the Canadian Auto Workers Union in September.

Also in September, the first minivan destined for the Chinese market rolls off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant.

2013
November marks 30th anniversary of the minivan at Windsor Assembly Plant.

2014
Alfa Romeo returns to Canada with four dealership franchises announced. The first product to be sold by the brand is a 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C.

2015
In January, the iconic Dodge Challenger muscle car and Charger four-door sedan are significantly updated while the all-new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models are introduced. 
  
In February, Chrysler Canada Inc. becomes FCA Canada Inc. 
 
From February 16 through May 25, Windsor Assembly Plant shuts down for major retooling project, which is part of a $2 billion USD minivan program investment. 
  
In December, North America's big and bold, rear-wheel-drive sedan, the new 2015 Chrysler 300, begins production at the Brampton Assembly Plant. 
 
In December, Brampton Assembly Plant receives Bronze status in World Class Manufacturing. 
 
2016 
In May, the Windsor Assembly Plant continues 33 years of minivan production with launch of Chrysler Pacifica. Over $1 billion CAD is invested to upgrade facility with state-of-the-art technology. More than 10 million minivans have rolled off the Windsor assembly line since it started building the ultimate family vehicle in 1983. 
  
In June, the University of Windsor/FCA ARDC marks its 20th anniversary with a special celebration. 
  
In October, FCA Canada workers represented by Unifor ratify a new four-year labour contract. 
  
In December, the first Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid rolls off the line, representing the industry's first electric minivan. 
 
2017 
In January, production begins of the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD, the world’s first and only all-wheel-drive muscle coupe, at the Brampton Assembly Plant. 
 
2018  
In January, FCA US LLC announces an agreement to supply thousands of Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to support the launch of the world’s first driverless ride-hailing service. 
  
On July 21, Michael Manley is appointed chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and chief operating officer of the North American region. 
  
On July 25, former Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne passes away. 
  
In October, the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye models start rolling off the line as production of the 797-horsepower muscle car starts at the Brampton Assembly Plant.  
  
In October, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau visits the Windsor Assembly Plant. 
 
2019 
In February, special 35th anniversary editions of the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand Caravan are introduced. 
 
The award-winning 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 ranks as Canada’s best-selling engine for the sixth consecutive year (based on IHSMarkit Automotive Canadian new vehicle total registrations for combined years 2013 to CYTD August 2018). 
 
In March, the Etobicoke Casting Plant is awarded Bronze status for its efforts in implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM). It becomes the 23rd North American facility to reach the milestone award level and the first plant to be awarded in 2019. 
 
FCA Canada’s ARDC and Windsor Assembly Plant earn Co-op & Internship Employer Recognition Award for 2018 by the University of Windsor. 
 
The FCA ARDC launches the most advanced driving simulator technology in North America. 
 
Groupe PSA and FCA announce plan to join forces to build a world leader for a new era in sustainable mobility. 
 
In November, the company marks 15 millionth minivan sold. 
 
2020 
In March, FCA Canada suspends production operations due to onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Production resumes in May. 
 
Chrysler brand announces the next chapter of its award-winning minivans, the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan, exclusively for Canada. 
 
FCA Canada is named 2019 Co-op/Internship Employer of the Year by University of Windsor. 
 
In November, the new 2021 Chrysler Pacifica rolls off the line at the Windsor Assembly Plant. 
 
FCA Canada is honoured as 2019 Top Research Recipient in NSERC Synergy Awards for partnership with McMaster University on electrified and hybrid powertrain development. 
 
2021 
In January, the merger between Peugeot S.A. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. is complete, leading to the creation of Stellantis N.V. 
 
Etobicoke Casting Plant is recognized with an Outstanding Award from the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) based on its 2020 safety record. 
 
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) recognizes the Windsor Assembly Plant for 2021 Canada Region Energy Project of the Year. 
 
Windsor Assembly Plant is named winner of Ibis Award by Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) for demonstrated resilience of spirit and advancement of conservation despite lockdowns, quarantines and additional government-mandated regulations. 
 
2022 
In March, Stellantis and LG Energy Solution announce over $5 billion CAD joint venture investment (NextStar Energy) for first large-scale lithium-ion battery production plant in Canada. 
 
In May, Stellantis announces investment of $3.6 billion CAD to secure the future of its Windsor and Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plants and to expand its ARDC to accelerate the company’s move to a sustainable future. 
 
In June, the company announces that vehicles produced on the new STLA Large platform will be built at the Windsor Assembly Plant. 
 
In August, a $14 million investment is announced for Etobicoke Casting Plant to convert existing die cast machines and cells for a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Additional $2 million announced to support the development and installation of new tooling and equipment upgrades to produce the oil pan for the new engine. 
 
2023 
In January, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau visits the Windsor Assembly Plant. 
 
Jason Stoicevich is named president of Stellantis Canada in February. 
 
Camp Jeep makes its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February. 
 
Windsor Assembly Plant is recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship, achieving Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Conservation Gold Certification through 15 different environmental projects at the facility. 
 
In June, Etobicoke Casting Plant is awarded Perfect Award from North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) for 2022 safety record. 
 
Windsor Assembly Plant marks production of 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid in August. The 40th anniversary of the minivan is celebrated at Windsor Assembly Plant in November. 
 
In November, Stellantis and Unifor finalize a new three-year collective agreement that provides significant increases in wages, benefits, accelerated progression timeline and job security. 
 
Also in November, construction of state-of-the-art North America Battery Technology Centre begins at Stellantis ARDC in Windsor, Ontario. 
 
2024 
Production of the Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 L platform vehicles end at Brampton Assembly Plant as facility undergoes retooling to produce the next-generation Jeep Compass on the STLA Medium architecture.   
 
In March, Jeff Hines is named president of Stellantis Canada. 
 
All-new Dodge Charger Daytona production begins at Windsor Assembly Plant. 
 
In July, new state-of-the-art Mopar parts distribution centre opens in Brampton, Ontario. 
 
In October, NextStar Energy announces start of battery module production. 
 
2025 
In May, Stellantis announces Antonio Filosa as its new chief executive officer. 
 
June 17 marks 100 years of operations in Canada. 
 

Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Chrysler, Dodge//SRT, Jeep®, Ram, Alfa Romeo, FIAT and Maserati. In 2025, the company celebrates 100 years of influencing culture and contributing to the history of the automotive industry in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Stellantis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellantisNA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellantisna
X: @StellantisNA
YouTube: http://youtube.com/StellantisNA