Dodge Caliber Production Increased

[rickaren]

Second shift added to Belvidere Assembly

Posted Wednesday, Sep 2, 2009, 4:49 pm in Employee News





Anticipating customer demand for the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Group LLC announced plans to return the second shift of production at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant effective Oct. 5, 2009.

The action will increase Dodge Caliber production by 10,000 units for the North American and international markets through the end of the year, while maintaining planned production levels of the Jeep® Compass and Jeep Patriot, the other fuel-efficient Chrysler Group vehicles built at the facility in Belvidere, Ill.

“We are taking this action in response to increasing demand for our most fuel-efficient products,” Mike Accavitti, President and CEO—Dodge Brand, said. “However, we are cautious about the continued volatility in the industry and will monitor demand in order to respond to market conditions.”

The increased second shift production will add approximately 850 employees at the Belvidere facility. This action is in addition to the more than 50,000 units added to production plans at other Chrysler Group plants that was announced earlier this week.

The 2009 Dodge Caliber offers top government safety ratings, value, bold styling and many interior innovations in a compact car that combines Dodge attitude, SUV versatility, fuel efficiency and affordability.

[rickaren]

Durbin: Cash for Clunkers Demand Allows Chrysler Plant to Hire 850 Employees
Thursday, 03 September 2009 18:33 Press Release Latest Local News


WASHINGTON, D.C.

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement after learning of Chrysler’s plan to hire 850 employees at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in anticipation of increasing consumer demand for fuel-efficient cars.

“Just a few months ago, Chrysler’s Belvidere plant was on the verge of a complete shut down that would have had a serious economic impact the region. Now, the company is facing a dramatic increase in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles -- spurred in part by President Obama’s Cash for Clunkers program – which has allowed the plant to hire or rehire 850 employees. This is exactly the kind of news that will help Northern Illinois and the rest of the country turn the corner on the economy.”

“As more new, fuel-efficient cars have been purchased in Illinois and around the country, there has been more demand to rebuild that inventory at the auto dealership, put autoworkers back to work and buy more fuel-efficient vehicles. I commend Chrysler’s decision to response to consumer demand by increasing production and creating good paying jobs at their Belvidere facility.”



Source: durbin.senate.gov

[rickaren]

Belvidere second shift rescheduled

Posted Monday, Sep 14, 2009, 3:23 pm in Employee News

Due to continued stresses on the automotive supplier base, Chrysler Group LLC is rescheduling resumption of second shift production at its Belvidere (Illinois) Assembly Plant to mid-November 2009.

The second shift is being returned to increase production of the Dodge Caliber, in response to market demand. Production of the 2010 Dodge Caliber, with an all-new interior, is scheduled to begin in early December.

Previously planned production of Jeep® Compass and Patriot will not be affected by this action.