07 Aspen built in Delaware Assembly Plant
DCX Press release
-Plant joins the list of multi-product facilities
-New eight-passenger SUV has premium amenities and fuel saving Multi-displacement System (MDS)
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 10, 2006 - The Chrysler Group announced that it will build the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, unveiled today at the North American (Detroit) International Auto Show, at its Newark (Del.) Assembly Plant. The Chrysler Aspen is a full-size, eight-passenger SUV loaded with performance, premium amenities and the fuel saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). The 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand.
"We continue to add many new products to the Chrysler Group lineup without adding new plants," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing, Chrysler Group. "This manufacturing flexibility provides us with the ability to offer a greater selection of vehicles to our Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge customers in a more cost-efficient way."
"This is welcome news for the employees of Newark Assembly," said Byron Green, Vice President – Truck and Activity Vehicle Manufacturing. "Our team is working together in innovative ways in order to continue the progress we've made in in-plant safety, as well as vehicle quality and productivity."
The plant was given the flexibility to produce more than one model during a recent retooling for the Dodge Durango. At that time, $180 million was invested in the plant, a portion of which ($) provided most of the necessary changes to accommodate the new model.
Later this year, the plant will begin building the Chrysler Aspen alongside the 2007 model year Dodge Durango. Employees are receiving extensive training to accompany the new product launches, and the body shop is being reworked. The plant also will build pre-launch pilot vehicles, which will contribute to a smooth launch of the new vehicles. These changes and others will contribute to increased plant efficiency.
The Newark Assembly Plant has had a progressive work arrangement since the late 1980s. This plant, like others in the Chrysler Group system, will continue to implement "smart manufacturing" processes, which also foster greater creativity and innovation on the plant floor. Smart processes include work teams, self-designed workstations, a framework for flexible job classifications and extensive employee training. All these factors work cohesively to create a better work environment and give increased support to assembly line operators, intended to further improve plant flexibility and efficiency.
The 3.4 million square-foot Newark Assembly Plant has about 2,000 employees and is home to United Auto Workers Locals 1183 and 1212.
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