A giant rubber duck is floating along Windsor\u2019s waterfront as Jeep celebrates its 85th anniversary in Canada.<\/p>\n
The 40-foot-high duck was installed along the Detroit River near the Great Canadian Flag and pays tribute to the Canadian-born Jeep ducking tradition. <\/p>\n
Jeep ducking is a tradition that sees Jeep owners leave rubber ducks on other Jeeps as a friendly gesture, helping build a sense of community among enthusiasts.<\/p>\n
Stellantis Canada President Trevor Longley says ducking is a unique part of Canadian heritage.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the COVID time frame, a Canadian just east of the GTA came up with this, I would say gracious custom, which was about people were disconnected,\u201d Longley said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a community at Jeep we value and cherish and the community is very strong, and so they created this tradition. It\u2019s gone not only across Canada, but globally. It\u2019s become connected and synonymous with Jeeps overall.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeep\u2019s anniversary celebrations are taking place in multiple locations, including Windsor, Auburn Hills and Toledo.<\/p>\n
Longley says Windsor was the natural choice for the celebration because of the city\u2019s long connection to the iconic brand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s so much about Windsor that goes into Jeep. When you think about our ARDC and engineering that goes into the Jeeps that we build, when you think about our head office being here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Longley also said the upcoming opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge will be an important boost for cross-border trade and the auto industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a major trade artery between two giant trading partners and it\u2019s our most important trading partner,\u201d he said. \u201cMaking sure that we have back and forth access that allows for the smooth flow of goods is incredibly important. We\u2019re excited about the infrastructure opening.\u201d<\/p>\n