Chrysler Spends $20 Million on Torque Converter Production

Chrysler is spending $20 million in plant upgrades to increase production of torque converters for 9-speed transmissions used in the ’14 Jeep Cherokee.

The upgrades at the auto maker’s Toledo Machining Plant in Perrysburg, OH, come as third-quarter production of the new SUV and other Chrysler vehicles expected to employ the ZF-designed transmission nears closer. The 9-speed gearbox also will be used in the successor to the Chrysler 200 sedan and is expected to appear in the Dodge Dart.

“The new 9-speed transmission is a critical part of our strategy to meet fuel economy requirements over the next several years and Toledo Machining will play an integral role in bringing this transmission to market,” Scott Garberding, senior vice president-manufacturing, says in a news release.

“Securing this additional investment is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the plant’s workforce and helps secure its future long-term.”

Since emerging from bankruptcy, Chrysler has invested $5.9 billion in U.S. plant upgrades and operations.