Chrysler Eyes Toluca, Newark Retooling

Chrysler Group assembly plants in Toluca, Mexico, and Newark, DE, are next on the auto maker's list for retooling.

Hard-charging Chrysler is in the midst of an investment blitz that will, by 2008, see 60% of its assembly plants feature flexible manufacturing technology. Belvidere, IL, is the first to go online, thanks to a $419 million investment.

The manufacturing system allows simultaneous building of multiple products from several unique platforms. Eight Chrysler plants are expected to feature the new technology, including Sterling Heights, MI; St. Louis, MO; and Windsor, Ont., Canada;

For Newark, the Chrysler Aspen fullsize SUV is scheduled for production later this year, alongside Dodge Durango. Expect an announcement soon regarding Toluca, which builds the Chrysler PT Cruiser.