Pentastar V6 starts production

While the start date for the Jeep Grand Cherokee which is to be its first home is still reportedly months away, the Pentastar V6 has entered production in the Trenton (Michigan) Engine Plant. Sources say the plant has been operating slowly for quality reasons, producing mere dozens of the engines each week and sending them [...]

Toledo plant might get more work, three shifts

Larry P. Vellequette wrote that Ohio officials and UAW workers have confirmed Chrysler’s negotiations to expand the Toledo plant’s operations, possibly adding up over a thousand new jobs if two new shifts are added. While 220 workers are currently laid off, the expansion and extra shifts could result in 1,700 new workers being hired, most [...]

Chrysler to buy Sterling Heights plant

The current Chrysler Group LLC has reached an agreement with the “Old Carco” to buy the Sterling Heights assembly plant, where the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring are made. The selling price is $20 million, at the high end of estimates of the plant’s worth, with the sellers likely taking advantage of Chrysler’s need for [...]

Chrysler may use North American plant to built Fiat-based cars

Chrysler is considering building Fiat-based cars at a plant in North America. Among the choices are some existing facilities and the possibility of building a new plant. Some Fiat cars, like the tiny Fiat 500 are already slated for North American production; the 500 will replace production of the PT Cruiser at the Toluca plant [...]

Chrysler prepping plants for changes

Chrysler is extending the holiday shutdown period through January 8 at:

Belvidere (Compass/Caliber/Patriot)
Warren Truck
Toledo Supplier Park and Toledo North (Jeep)
Brampton (LX cars)
Windsor (minivans)
Toluca (PT Cruiser and Journey)

The reasons cited are scheduled maintenance, equipment installation and supplier changes as Twinsburg (Ohio) Stamping comes close to closure, and preparation for new and refreshed models. Observers currently expect the [...]

Sale of Newark Chrysler plant approved

Detroit News noted that the Old Carco has been given permission to sell its Newark, Delaware assembly plant to the University of Delaware. The plant, which most recently made the Durango and Aspen, was one of the last of many Northeastern auto plants to close down. Chrysler Group purchased $25,000 of equipment from the plant [...]