The Chrysler Group today, Sept. 5, officially launched production of the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab at its Saltillo assembly plant in Coahuila, Mexico. The Saltillo plant also currently produces the Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models. DaimlerChrysler says it 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.
DaimlerChrysler says 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 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab in 2005. The expansion increases production capacity and enables the plant to manage the greater complexity, including commercial-grade chassis and suspensions, including two cab-axle lengths, regular and Quad Cab versions, 4Ă—2 and 4Ă—4 variants, and single- and dual-rear-wheel models, according to DaimlerChrysler.
“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,” says Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice president of 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 plant has 2,100 employees working on two shifts and is one of five Chrysler Group production facilities in Mexico.
