Chrysler Group Launches Production of All-New 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab at Saltillo Assembly Plant
05 Septembre 2006 - 5:09PM
PR Newswire (US)
* Addition of 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab expands Saltillo
production capabilities to five vehicles * Flexible manufacturing
allows production of multiple vehicles at one plant * $48 million
investment for commercial vehicle production expands plant by
120,000 square feet * Introduction of all-new 2007 Ram 3500 Chassis
Cab conquers new territory for Dodge and sets new commercial
standard AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
Chrysler Group today officially launched production of the all-new
2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab at its Saltillo Assembly Plant in
Coahuila, Mexico. The Saltillo Plant, which currently produces the
Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon, and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
2500 and 3500 models, takes on production of the Ram 3500 Chassis
Cab as part of DaimlerChrysler's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy
(FMS). DaimlerChrysler recently invested an additional $48 million
into the plant, allowing for production of the Dodge Ram 3500
Chassis Cab and expanding the plant facility by 120,000 square
feet. This expansion allows the plant to produce commercial
vehicles and will accommodate new frame configurations. This
follows a $210 million investment into the plant for production of
the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab in 2005. The expansion
increases production capacity and enables the plant to manage the
greater complexity, including all-new, commercial-grade chassis and
suspensions, including two cab-axle lengths, regular and Quad
Cab(TM) versions, 4x2 and 4x4 variants, and single- and
dual-rear-wheel models. "The Saltillo facility's versatility,
capability and adaptability makes it one of Chrysler Group's most
flexible plants, allowing the company to adjust production between
the various models to better respond to customer needs," said Frank
Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "Chrysler
Group's flexible manufacturing capability helps to build a positive
business case for new products and derivatives, as each plant is
able to maximize its production capacity." The Saltillo Assembly
Plant has 2,100 employees working on two shifts and is one of five
Chrysler Group production facilities in Mexico. Flexible
Manufacturing Strategy (FMS) Chrysler Group's Flexible
Manufacturing Strategy allows the Company to produce a higher
quality product, faster, for lower cost. FMS is also a key enabler
in the company's plan to launch 10 all-new vehicles in 2006, the
most in Chrysler Group's history. In order to balance production
with demand, the FMS approach allows the company to efficiently
build lower-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niche,
and to quickly shift production volumes between different models
within a single plant or among multiple plants. FMS is being
implemented product by product and plant by plant across the
Chrysler Group. New investment is introducing state-of-the-art
technology to Chrysler Group plants, enabling the company to
produce more than one vehicle on a production line and conduct
rolling launches of new models. Additionally, Chrysler Group's
workforce is becoming more flexible with the implementation of team
concepts and an increased emphasis on supporting assembly line
operators. Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab The all-new 2007 Dodge Ram
3500 Chassis Cab epitomizes the bold, tough, dependable,
in-your-face Dodge Ram heritage, offering leading commercial
performance and power. Boasting a powerful lineup of renowned
engines and an all-new commercial-grade chassis, the Dodge Ram 3500
Chassis Cab enters the commercial chassis cab segment with the
Class 3 segment's highest single-rear- wheel Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) of 10,200 pounds, class-leading rear frame steel
strength (50,000 psi), largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons),
best-in-class standard V-8 power (HEMI(R) with 330 horsepower), and
best-in- class interior cab room of 121.6 cubic feet for Quad Cab
models. The 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab conquers new territory
for the brand and redefines the commercial standard, blending
commercial capability, durability and leading versatility. The
vehicle is targeted at small business tradesmen, fleet customers
and traditional chassis cab users looking for more cab space,
enhanced functionality and bold styling. Expanding on a solid
commercial foundation and lineup of full-size van, minivan and
box-off commercial vehicles, the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500
Chassis Cab is the latest innovative offering in a reliable
portfolio of commercial vehicles and services designed for business
customers. Dodge Commercial Vehicles As part of DaimlerChrysler,
the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Dodge
continues to increase the breadth of its commercial products and
offers a comprehensive array of vehicles and services designed with
business customers in mind. Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo
vans complement a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the
all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-off
models and the Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and
leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace.
Dodge Brand With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the
Chrysler Group's best- selling brand and the fifth largest
nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2005, Dodge sold more
than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to
lead the minivan market with a 19 percent market share in the U.S.
In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent
market share. This year, Dodge enters key European volume segments.
DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Michele Tinson,
+1-248-512-0366, , or Randy Jones, +1-248-512-5061, , both of
Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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