With Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and other local officials in attendance, Chrysler Group LLC celebrated the launch of its all-new Pentastar V-6 engine at an event today at the Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant (TSEP).
In addition to the Governor, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Trenton Mayor Gerald Brown, United Auto Workers Chrysler Department assistant director Tim Bressler and other local officials joined Chrysler Group executives and Trenton South employees in recognizing the importance of the plant and the new engine in the future success of the Company.
“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler’s efforts to re-invent its business model with strong, brand-focused, world-class quality products,” said Scott Garberding, head of manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Trenton South plant demonstrates the Chrysler Group’s commitment to supporting economic development in Michigan. It also acknowledges the support of the International UAW and our outstanding workforce for helping us create an engine plant that can compete with the best in the world. Their efforts will help establish Trenton South as a premier manufacturer of fuel-efficient engines in support of the Company's future growth.”
Chrysler Group’s all-new flex-fuel Pentastar V-6 is the most advanced V-6 engine in the company’s history. This new line of V-6 engines will contribute to an overall fuel-efficiency improvement of more than 25 percent across the Chrysler, Ram Truck, Jeep and Dodge product lineup. More refined and fuel-efficient, the Pentastar engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler Group V-6 engines and utilize advanced technologies from the Fiat alliance such as Multiair, direct-injection and turbocharging.
The first application of this engine will be in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, due out in the second quarter this year.
The start of production at Trenton South represents one piece of the Chrysler Group’s revamped powertrain strategy. In December 2009, the company announced that it would invest $179 million in its Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich., to produce the 1.4-liter, 16-valve Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE). Together, these two plants – with a combined investment of nearly $1 billion – position Michigan at the center of Chrysler Group’s powertrain offensive.
“With the start of production here in Trenton and the recently announced investment in Dundee, Chrysler Group has helped affirm Michigan’s position as the world’s leader in automotive innovation and excellence,” said Governor Granholm. “These projects further demonstrate that Michigan has the competitive business climate, infrastructure and talented workforce to compete in the global marketplace.”
Chrysler Group announced a $730 million investment in the Pentastar program when it broke ground on the all-new 822,000-square-foot facility in May 2007. The plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of more than 400,000 engines.
“Three years ago, Chrysler Group demonstrated its confidence in its workforce by investing in its powertrain operations,” said the UAW’s Bressler. “Today, the UAW members at Trenton are excited to participate in building the next generation of high-quality, fuel-efficient engines for Chrysler's great lineup of vehicles and thereby, ensuring the company’s future success."
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