The automaker that continues to drive Windsor's economy turned 100 years old on Tuesday.
Stellantis is marking the centennial of the incorporation of its Canadian subsidiary, which happened in Windsor on June 17, 1925, just 11 days after Chrysler Corporation was founded in Detroit.
"As we celebrate a century of operations here in Canada, we are incredibly proud of our legacy. We have been an instrumental player in helping to shape the automotive industry through bold innovation, engineering excellence, and timeless, yet affordable designs," said Stellantis Canada President and CEO Jeff Hines. "We have evolved from our humble beginnings in 1925 with just 181 employees and 4,500 vehicles built, to nearly 9,000 current employees and 440 dealers coast to coast, having built more than 25 million vehicles."
Windsor's assembly operation began in 1929, and it has grown throughout the century. It is responsible for the production of the minivan, which helped revolutionize family travel starting in the 1980s.
Several events are planned to commemorate the 100th birthday, starting with the production of the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica 100th Anniversary Edition in Windsor. The model is one of several special editions that Stellantis will produce.
There will be commemorative signage installed at the Windsor Assembly Plant and surrounding streets, promoting Canadian-made Stellantis products and expressing appreciation to Canadians for their loyalty.
A public event will take place on Sunday at the plant. Beginning at 9 a.m., a classic car show organized by Cars and Coffee Windsor will be set up along Chrysler Centre Road. A $10 cash donation for each displayed vehicle will be collected upon entry with proceeds supporting the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village. Food and merchandise vendors will also be available.