Chrysler Invests $203M

Chrysler Group says it invested $203 million at its Brampton, Ont., Canada, assembly plant for production of the Dodge Charger sedan, the third vehicle based on the LX rear-wheel-drive passenger-car platform.

The auto maker says $68 million was spent on assembly operations, with another $57 million used to upgrade stamping operations. The remaining $78 million was spent on engine modifications, seats and other vehicle components.

This brings total investment at Brampton since the LX launch to more than $1.2 billion.

Charger production began alongside the Chrysler 300 SRT-8 in April, while output of the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 began in May. The vehicles join the 300 Series and Dodge Magnum, which began production in February 2004.

Brampton added a third 8-hour shift in April to accommodate Charger output, creating another 950 jobs at the plant. Chrysler declines to give specifics on Brampton's total capacity.