The Chrysler Pacifica has reported a sales rebound for the first quarter of this year.
Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles released its first-quarter U.S. sales figures Wednesday, which indicates a ten per cent drop across the automaker's nameplates. In Canada, sales were off by 19 per cent in numbers released Thursday morning.
The Windsor-built Pacifica minivan showed some encouraging gains in the States, with a five per cent increase over the first quarter of 2019. Pacifica sales in Canada, though, dropped in the first quarter, according to figures released Thursday morning by Chrysler Canada. 674 Pacificas were sold in Canada between January and March, a 17 per cent decline.
The automaker blamed the drop on a steep decline in March sales due to the coronavirus pandemic, which offset the substantial gains made in January and February.
There is good news for potential buyers, as Fiat-Chrysler announced support to wary North American consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing the "Drive Forward" program. Buyers of all 2019 and 2020 models will have no payments for up to 120 days, plus 24-hour roadside assistance. Online retailing through the FCA website is also encouraged, so car buyers can shop at home.
"We are all one community, and we can help during these unprecedented times," said FCA Chief Marketing Officer Olivier Francois in a media release. "We want to both offer consumers support and assist them financially while we all work hand-in-hand toward better days. And we'll continue to explore additional opportunities as a company to help as we all navigate our way through this difficult time together."
In efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Fiat-Chrysler has provided for a million face masks for first responders, a million meals for school children, and technical support for those providing personal protection equipment.
FCA's complete first-quarter U.S. sales figures are available on its official website.