Dodge Caliber Production Boost Announced

When it comes to small vehicles, Chrysler Group LLC – parent to the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands – has few models to offer. This is too bad because customers are demanding higher mileage vehicles, particularly those cars which get at least 30 mpg on the highway.

The Successful Dodge Caliber

One model that has given Chrysler at least some reason to smile is the Dodge Caliber, the compact crossover like vehicle which replaced the Dodge Neon. Though the smallest car in the Chrysler fold, it is also one of the newest and most popular cars sold by Chrysler. That was made evident this past month when demand for the Caliber shot up thanks to the federal government’s cash for clunkers program.

With showrooms virtually empty of Calibers, Chrysler has decided to increase production and will add a second shift at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant effective October 5, 2009. That move will allow Chrysler to build an additional 10,000 Calibers for the remainder of the year, giving dealers some much needed inventory to replenish what has been sold.

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

Production Ramp Up Means More Jobs

The move will impact 850 employees who be added to the workforce. In addition to expanding Caliber production, 50,000 additional units of other models will also be built by Chrysler through the remainder of the year which means more furloughed workers will be called back. Chrysler hasn’t said how many people will be impacted, but that number will certainly add thousands of jobs.

As for the Caliber, the 2009 model offers top government safety ratings, value, conspicuous styling and numerous interior innovations in a compact car that the automaker says combines Dodge attitude, SUV versatility, fuel efficiency and affordability.

Dodge SRT4 Discontinued

In related Caliber news, Chrysler announced that the sporty SRT4 model would be discontinued with the 2009 model year. The SRT4 is the top of the line model that offers sporty handling and utility in a compact form. No word yet from Chrysler whether a new model will be developed to replace the SRT4 or whether the Caliber line would contract accordingly.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC