It’s no idle boast to say the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan affords a smooth, quiet ride. The words literally ring true. “The Pacifica has five reinforcement rings, strategically placed from front to back, that circle the vehicle’s lateral circumference,” said FCA US engineer Jeff Tibbenham, who is responsible for body structure. “These rings work
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Category Archives: Manufacturing
Learn why body engineering is crucial to Chrysler Pacifica
Just as a well-built home begins with a solid foundation, development of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica began with a robust, new platform, says Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development – FCA North America. “Every year, the expectations evolve,” Jansen told the 2016 International Automotive Body Congress yesterday, describing today’s dynamic marketplace. Body structure comprises the
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Off the Line: Joe Nudi
With his trademark bald head and big smile, Joe Nudi may be a familiar face to family, friends and coworkers, but recently his face appeared on the national stage — perhaps one of the biggest stages in the United States: the Democratic National Convention (DNC). A third-generation auto worker, Joe’s story aired in a video
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Green FCA: See how controlling flow means using less H20
While many of the environmental improvements FCA and our employees make have benefits to owners, some are just good for our operations and the environment. And improvements like those help us all. Case in point: Improving the coolant filter system at the Dundee, Mich., Engine Plant. In looking at controlling plant waste, employees found a
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Green FCA: ‘We can save the environment for future generations’
While automotive passion runs through our veins, there’s still room to watch over Planet Earth. FCA Canada employees at the 284,000-square-foot Etobicoke, Ontario, Casting Plant are a prime example. The plant employs more than 500 people, making aluminum die castings and pistons for a variety of FCA vehicles. As Etobicoke’s Environmental Specialist & Energy Manager
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Green FCA: Good planning ‘LEEDs’ to savings
While most of the manufacturing and operating improvements FCA US makes are to existing processes and plants, we also look to improve from the ground up. When we built a new body shop at the Sterling Heights, Mich., Assembly Plant, achieving LEED Gold Certification – and all the benefits that come from it – was
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Green FCA: One thing leads to another: Reducing emissions leads to better corrosion protection
Sometimes, in manufacturing, a good solution can lead to other challenges. However, resolving that challenge also can lead to a better solution. That’s what happened when we discovered that an improved body sealing system at our Belvidere, Ill., Assembly Plant was causing more emissions. But, Belvidere and FCA personnel along with a supplier found a
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