Dodge Nitro Production Begins
Aug 07 2006 8:18AM
The concept became reality Monday when the Dodge Nitro went into production at the Toledo Jeep Liberty plant. The mid-size S-U-V is the first non-Jeep vehicle to be produced in Toledo since the Dodge Dakota ended production in 1995.
Jeep Unit President, Dan Henneman, told ONN affiliate WEWS that at 7 a.m. Monday the Nitro starts production.
Daimler Chrysler executives talk about "aggressive styling," and "performance engineering." but for the city, Nitro production equals about 750 new jobs.
"We've demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the community, and employees statewide have generated $465 million in wages, said a Daimler Chrysler spokesperson.
Daimler Chrysler added a third shift to accomodate production. The company also invested $100 million into the plant to expand it by a 160,000, and installed 150 new robots.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur says it's a good deal for Toledo, and lots of people contributed.
"Any additional jobs in our community are welcome, and a credit to all the people who have worked so long. Mayor Finkbeiner, Mayor Ford, our city council" she said.
There's no set price yet, and the company won't say how many will be made or how soon.
"Most definitely, the UAW and City of Toledo were very supportive of the initiative," said a Daimler Chrysler spokesperson.
But they say they worked with the city to bring it here. Daimler Chrysler executives say the new Nitros should start selling in two to three months.
Found at OhioNewsNow
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