Calgary Herald

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives a storied nameplate and delivers the ultimate roadster experience.

- REID BIGLAND CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO FCA CANADA INC.

The automotive marketplac­e in Canada continues to spoil consumers for choice.

There are some 300 nameplates to choose from today in a highly competitiv­e environmen­t, which is why FCA Canada (Fiat Chrysler Automobile­s) is working diligently to offer the right products at an outstandin­g value. We have the strongest lineup in our history and it’s one that is resonating with discerning Canadian vehicle shoppers.

As it celebrates 75 years of legendary 4x4 heritage, the Jeep brand is more popular than ever with Canadians who seek adventure and extraordin­ary experience­s. Jeep’s record sales helped propel FCA Canada to the No. 1 spot in auto sales in 2015.

The bestsellin­g Jeep in the country is the Cherokee, the mid-size SUV that delivers the on-road driving dynamics and off-road capability that Canadian drivers appreciate. The Jeep roster of classleadi­ng vehicles also includes the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep is famous for creating strong bonds with owners, because each model provides drivers a sense of security to handle any part of the journey with confidence.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever, and we recently expanded its offerings with new Trailhawk and Summit models. The Trailhawk is the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever, while the Summit brings an unpreceden­ted level of luxury to the lineup.

Jeep is not the only FCA brand writing a success story in Canada. Ram Truck had its best year ever in 2015 and is now the second bestsellin­g vehicle in Canada.

We remain the undisputed leader in minivans, and, in fact, seven out of every 10 minivans sold in Canada in 2015 were built in our Windsor (Ont.) Assembly Plant. The plant produces the Dodge Grand Caravan, the top-selling minivan in Canada. Earlier this year, our Windsor facility began assembling the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and will soon launch the Pacifica Hybrid. Both establish a new benchmark with unpreceden­ted functional­ity, versatilit­y, safety and technology.

The Pacifica Hybrid, the industry’s first electrifie­d minivan, represents a big leap forward in green technology for family transporta­tion. The Hybrid, in electric mode, provides a range of nearly 50 kilometres of emissions-free driving and can travel about 850 kilometres on a full tank of fuel and full electric charge.

Another new entry to the Canadian market is the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. In reviving a storied nameplate, the 124 Spider delivers the ultimate roadster experience, with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design.

The Windsor facility is one of two FCA assembly plants in Canada. The Brampton (Ont.) Assembly Plant produces the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. FCA Canada also operates a casting plant in Etobicoke, Ont.; a research and developmen­t centre in Windsor; and has sales offices and parts distributi­on centres throughout the country. Factoring in our 440 dealership facilities throughout Canada, FCA is a major contributo­r to the economy.

In addition, since 2009, our company has invested more than $3 billion in its Canadian operations and has added 2,200 direct jobs to the nation’s economy.

FCA Canada embraces our responsibi­lity to contribute to local communitie­s and the larger society. One example of this commitment is the Dodge Caravan Kids program, in which Canada’s favourite minivan supports young participan­ts in Canada’s favourite sport: hockey.

Now marking its 10th year, Dodge Caravan Kids has provided more than $7 million to more than 14,000 minor novice hockey teams, helping more than 210,000 children play hockey across the country. In the 2015-16 season alone, the program supported 2,156 teams with up to $500 each in funds and access to exclusive team benefits.

FCA has been an integral part of Canada for more than 90 years and currently employs 12,000 people. Our involvemen­t in programs such as Dodge Caravan Kids reflects how strongly we value this relationsh­ip and look forward to many more years of being part of the landscape of this great country.

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 ?? PHOTOS COURTESY OF FCA CANADA ?? The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives a storied nameplate and delivers the ultimate roadster experience.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FCA CANADA The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives a storied nameplate and delivers the ultimate roadster experience.
 ??  ?? FCA Canada’s Windsor, Ont., facility began assembling the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (at right) earlier this year and will soon launch the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid (at left), touted as the automotive industry’s first electrifie­d minivan.
FCA Canada’s Windsor, Ont., facility began assembling the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (at right) earlier this year and will soon launch the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid (at left), touted as the automotive industry’s first electrifie­d minivan.
 ??  ?? The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a bestsellin­g mid-size SUV that delivers on-road driving dynamics and offroad capability.
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a bestsellin­g mid-size SUV that delivers on-road driving dynamics and offroad capability.
 ??  ?? Reid Bigland, chairman, president and CEO, FCA Canada Inc.
Reid Bigland, chairman, president and CEO, FCA Canada Inc.

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