[Chrysler300] 300Cs now built in Europe including Touring (wagon)

["Wayne Graefen" <wgraefen@xxxxxxx>]

Chrysler launches 300C production im Austria
15 June 2005

The first European-built Chrysler 300C rolled off the assembly line today as production officially began at Magna Steyr's manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria. The 300C Sedan and Touring models are now assembled on the same Chrysler Group production line that currently builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Chrysler Voyager and the Chrysler Grand Voyager with the exclusive Stow 'n GoT seating and storage system.

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group and Magna Steyr invested ¤30.7 million ($37.2 million) to add the necessary tooling and body shop stations required to bring the Chrysler 300C models on board. This is in addition to recent enhancements to the plant's body and paint shops, plus significant production line flexibility improvements that were made with the inclusion of the new vehicles in mind.

Incorporating a third shift, the Chrysler 300C Sedan and Touring will be built in the same body shop as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. All Chrysler Group vehicles at the plant will share the same trim, chassis and final lines. About 2,000 employees will work on production of Chrysler and Jeep vehicles, 600 of whom were hired additionally for the 300C vehicles. All of the plant's employees have been carefully trained to work with the new 300C-related equipment and processes, ensuring a smooth transition and consistent production quality from the start.

"The introduction of the Chrysler 300C Sedan and Touring in markets outside of North America has been met with strong, positive customer response," said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer. "The production launch at Magna Steyr will allow us to have 300C vehicles on the ground quickly to meet growing international demand for one of our most award-winning vehicles."

Flexible Production Allows for Multiple Models

DaimlerChrysler Management Austria (DCMA) worked closely with Magna Steyr in the preparation of their facility for the Chrysler 300C family. Most notably, the addition of the 300C range was already planned for when the plant went through an eight-week tooling, equipment and manufacturing process changeover at the end of 2004 and into 2005.


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