June 13, 2007 — Chrysler Group reports it will invest $450 million at its engine plant in Kenosha, WI, to prepare the operation for the future production of aluminum V-6 engines. Kenosha now becomes the third site identified for producing the new engines, which are part a Chrysler's $3-billion plan to standardize its V-6 engines on a common platform (from the current four models).
Chrysler outlined this so-called Phoenix engine program earlier this year, and now has identified Trenton, MI, and Saltillo, Mexico, as well as Kenosha for production of the engines. It also plans a new axle plant in Marysville, MI, as part ot the overall initiative.
Retooling will begin in June 2010. The revamped Kenosha plant will begin production in January 2011, with an annual production volume of 400,000 units.
"This retooling investment will allow us to build an entirely new, globally competitive family of V-6 engines," stated Chrysler Group v.p. - Powertrain Manufacturing, Richard Chow-Wah,. "The Chrysler Group Recovery and Transformation Plan is focused on new products, and today's news supports a long-term commitment to new vehicle components that support consumer demand for refined, economical-to-operate vehicles for many years to come."