Chrysler Boosting RAM and Pentastar Output, Phasing Out 4.7L V8
Chrysler announced a new investment today of $240 million into manufacturing that will boost engine production as well as RAM 1500 production.
First, $198 million will go to the Mack engine plant to boost production of Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 motor, an engine which finds its way under the hood of 16 Chrysler models. As a result, the 4.7-liter V8 that Chrysler currently builds is going to be phased out, leaving only the V6 and HEMI V8 as options for the RAM 1500.
The Trenton North engine plant will receive $40 million to install a flexible engine line that will be capable of producing both the Pentastar V6, as well the Tigershark four-cylinder engine found in the Dart.
The Warren truck assembly plant, home of the RAM 1500, will be getting 1,000 new employees as of March 2013, pushing the plant to its manufacturing capacity.
“Today is another important milestone in living up to the commitment we made more than three and a half years ago to our employees, this city, this region and our country to transform this company,” said Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. In total, the move will add 1,250 jobs between all of the Michigan assembly lines, which adds up to 6,000 new hourly jobs since June 2009.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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