Remaking Chrylser

TOLEDO, Ohio - Chrysler hinted at the future of Toledo-made products as it announced its new business plan.

The day-long event in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Wednesday included the announcement of new exteriors, interiors and engines on most of its current lineup.

The head of UAW local 12 which represents workers at Toledo’s Chrysler plants says it is all good news and means more than 2,800 people will continue working at the Toledo North Assembly Plant and the Supplier Park.

Part of Wednesday’s announcement included a commitment to continue to produce the Toledo-made Dodge Nitro through 2011. There is also a possibility a new, totally re-designed 2012 model could be made in Toledo. Chrysler originally said the Nitro could be on the chopping block due to sluggish sales.

There was also a major announcement concerning the Jeep Wrangler. Chrysler says it will roll out an all-diesel Wrangler in late 2010. UAW leadership says that could put the Toledo plant in a really good position.

UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower said, “Putting a diesel in the Wrangler means it is more interesting to export the Wrangler overseas and I think it is a good opportunity for us to add some new volume to that product.”

Chrysler says all Jeep products will be improved in some way and the company will begin showing off those changes in January at the Detroit auto show.