The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been named the 2017 Family Vehicle of the Year by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) today at the Chicago Auto Show. MAMA is a nonprofit group of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, and it developed the award, now in its seventh year, to help “car-shopping families make a wise decision when they’re ready for a new vehicle.”
“Choosing a family vehicle is an important decision. It should be versatile, reliable, efficient and reasonably priced. MAMA members pooled their expertise and experience to select the best family vehicle from an excellent group of new and notably refreshed models, and the Chrysler Pacifica came out on top of them all,” said Damon Bell, MAMA Senior Vice President.
As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US claims 78 firsts or innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, FCA adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for a total of 115 innovations in the segment – including the industry’s first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and the only seven seat hybrid in existence.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is 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 optional 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 claimed by FCA as “a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today’s families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016 and 2017.”
The Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range.
About the Midwest Automotive Media Association
Founded in 1991, and now in its 26th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 278 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from 25 states, D.C. and Canada. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.
AutoInformed on Pacifica
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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