CONTRACTS

The Chrysler Group confirms plans to produce axles in-house for its next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The axles will be made at Chrysler's Detroit Axle factory when the new SUV debuts in '05 or '06, a Chrysler Group spokesman tells Ward's.

The move is a blow to Dana Corp., which produces axles for the current Grand Cherokee. Dana has been realigning its axle business within the past year to improve overall performance of the unit. Dana executives say they have not been notified of the move.