Fiat's plan for the Chrysler PT Cruiser

Fiat, in its infinite wisdom and foresight, has granted to keep production going on the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the U.S. automaker's compact hatchback/station wagon. The PT Cruiser was previously scheduled to end production this summer.

After a quick rinse in bankruptcy and a takeover by Italy's Fiat (which now owns a 20% stake), Chrysler will continue production of the PT Cruiser, using the model until the Fiat 500 is ready to make its North American debut.

Once production of the PT Cruiser ends, the plant will go through a six-month retooling period, during which the plant will be made ready for production the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Panda (which will be rebadged as a Jeep, according to Inside Line). As it gains access to Fiat's dealerships and Europe and Brazil, Chrysler is apparently anticipating demand for its aging, early-retro-cutesy compact car in those markets.

Source: Inside Line
content from: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6555089/news/fiat-saves-chrysler-pt-cruiser/index.html

Chrysler Group LLC Resumes Production

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Chrysler Group LLC Announces Production Start at Seven North American Assembly Plants!

One week after finalizing its global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, Chrysler Group LLC announced today that it will resume volume production of vehicles with the start up of seven of its North American assembly plants the week of June 29, 2009.

As part of a phased production ramp-up, the following assembly plants are scheduled to resume production at the end of the month:

- Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
- Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
- St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
- Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300,Dodge Charger and
Challenger
- Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge
Grand Caravan
- Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler Group's Powertrain and Stamping facilities that supply these assembly plants will also be operating. Chrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, which builds the Dodge Viper, resumed production on June 15. All Chrysler Group plants will be closed during a previously announced two-week Summer Break the weeks of July 13 and 20. Re-start of production at other Chrysler Group assembly plants will be announced at a later date.