All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 9, 2017 --
- Panel of esteemed automotive experts select the Chrysler Pacifica as the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
- 2017 marks only the second time a minivan has won the award, with FCA US minivans also receiving the honor in 1996
- The all-new Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan of 2016, reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling
The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been named the 2017 North American Utility of the Year by a panel of automotive experts. The award is unique and considered by many to be one of the world's most prestigious based on its diverse mix of automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada who serve as the voting jurors.
The winners were announced at a news conference today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
"When we first introduced the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica just one year ago, we believed that we had created the perfect formula for today's busy families," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA - North America. "But it's the recognition from our customers and respected opinion leaders like the NACTOY jury that helps to reinforce Pacifica's status in the marketplace as the no-compromises minivan, and highlights what a great job the entire team has done in developing, building and selling the all-new Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid."
This is the 24th year of the awards. FCA US LLC minivans won North American Car of the Year honors in 1996 – the only other time any minivan has won an award from the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) jury.
As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US has transformed the segment with firsts – notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, FCA US adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for an unprecedented total of 115 innovations in the segment, including the industry's first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016.
The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its class-exclusive, innovative advanced and class-exclusive hybrid powertrain. It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range.
About NACTOY
The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards honor excellence in innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value. Initiated in 1994, they are judged by about 60 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for magazines, television, radio, newspapers and websites. They are the longest-running award not associated with a specific publication, a structure that produces a diverse base of jurors.
The Utility Vehicle of the Year award is new for 2017, reflecting the booming sales and growing diversity of vehicles ranging from rugged off-roaders to family hauling SUVs and minivans.
About Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology all at an extraordinary value since the company was founded in 1925.
Whether it is the family-room-on-wheels functionality of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the groundbreaking, bold design of the Chrysler 300, or the simple elegance and extraordinary driving experience of the Chrysler 200, Chrysler brand vehicles reward the passion, creativity and sense of accomplishment of its owners. Beyond just exceptionally designed vehicles, the Chrysler brand has incorporated thoughtful features into all of its products, such as the innovative center console with pass through storage and sliding cup holders in the Chrysler 200, the industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and storage system on the Chrysler Pacifica and the fuel-saving Fuel Saver Technology in the Chrysler 300.
The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.
Follow Chrysler brand and FCA US news and video on:
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Chrysler blog: blog.chrysler.com
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SOURCE FCA US LLC
CONTACT: Angela Bianchi, (248) 512-0011 (office), (248) 766-2937 (cell), angela.bianchi@fcagroup.com; Kristin Starnes, (248) 512-0889 (office), (248) 202-9906 (cell), kristin.starnes@fcagroup.com
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