FCA US has begun shipping its 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan to dealers, and provided 200 of the vehicles to Michigan-area dealers ahead of a planned marketing campaign for the vehicle.

FCA is banking on the Pacifica to help revive the category, as it transitions to a minivan with an EPA-rated 28 mpg on the highway. FCA also plans to offer a plug-in hybrid Pacifica later this year.

FCA began production of the Pacifica on Feb. 29 at its Windsor, Ontario plant in Canada. FCA has shipped "some Pacificas" to dealers in each U.S. region with "additional units continuing to arrive," said Angela Bianchi, an FCA spokeswoman.

As part of a "drive away" event at FCA headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., the automaker brought dealers from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. The dealers drove away more than 200 Pacifica minivans.

"The Chrysler Pacifica is the new benchmark in minivan style, design, safety, efficiency, entertainment and functionality," said Timothy Kuniskis, FCA's head of passenger car brands. "Now, customers can experience the Pacifica at their local dealership and see why we believe it’s the perfect vehicle for the modern family."