Chrysler Christens ProMaster Plant in Mexico

Chrysler says investment at its two plants in Saltillo, Mexico, for production of commercial vans and engines will total $1.25 billion.

CEO Sergio Marchionne was on hand to officially christen the new Van Assembly Plant in Saltillo that began output of Ram ProMaster commercial vehicles in July. The ProMaster is a version of the Fiat Ducato sold in Europe and other markets.

Chrysler spent $1.1 billion on the van plant, which will employ 1,100 workers by December. Another $164 million is being invested at the Saltillo North engine plant for production of 2.0L and 2.4L Tigershark 4-cyl. engines. That facility will add 470 workers, taking employment to nearly 6,500 people, Chrysler says.

The Ram ProMaster will be sold in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, and the Tigershark engines will be exported to markets covered by free-trade agreements with Mexico, the automaker says.