Battery Giant Opts For Michigan Plant

It has been said that “in every life a little rain must fall,” suggesting to some that rain is a bad thing. Then again when you see how rain replenishes the earth and sates the soul, it certainly can also be a very good thing.

Battered Michigan Receives Some Good News

A similar thing can be said about the auto industry, particularly as it relates to the state of Michigan. That state is the heart of the auto industry for America’s three major brands — General Motors, Ford and Chrysler — and has borne decades of layoffs, plant closures and an ongoing recession.

But, the rain falling for Michigan isn’t completely bad as evidenced by the announcement last week that lithium-ion battery supplier Johnson Controls-Saft will convert an existing plant in Holland, MI to supply batteries for the Ford Motor Company’s expanding hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle fleet.

Second Lithium-Ion Plant

The Michigan plant will be the first American facility by Johnson Controls-Saft dedicated to lithium-ion technology, following on the heels of plant opened in France in 2008 to build batteries for the Mercedes S-Class hybrid. The Michigan facility in expected to directly create 500 new jobs in that state in additional to many more through suppliers.

Johnson Controls-Saft is also supply batteries for the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid available in 2010, Azure Dynamic’s Balance™ Hybrid Electric for commercial vehicles available in 2010, and Ford’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle available in 2012.

The company will be investing $220 million to convert the Michigan plant and will receive tax credits from the state for locating production there. The plant is expected to have an initial capacity of 15 million lithium-ion cells when the plant comes online in late 2010.

For Michigan, the Johnson Controls-Saft plant is one of first steps it is taking to transform itself from the automotive capital of the world into the advanced-battery capital of the world.

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Chrysler 200C EV: Beauty Meets Electricity

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show is the Chrysler 200C EV concept.

Now being shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan are five vehicles from Chrysler LLC, concepts cars which each run on electricity.

One of the cars featured, the Chrysler 200C EV, is actually based on a shortened version of the automaker’s rear wheel drive architecture, a five passenger sedan that offers a fluid design and an overall handsome look.

“The Chrysler 200C EV concept represents the perfect blend of provocative design and leading-edge technology, as well as the new Chrysler DNA,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “Chrysler’s latest concept vehicle combines the benefits of progressive, ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology – which offers nearly zero emissions during daily commutes – with a design that boasts a combination of modern shapes, a planted athletic stance with classic overtones and an undeniably luxurious interior.

“What makes the Chrysler 200C EV concept even more meaningful is the use of technology that will make traveling and managing one’s life an absolute pleasure,” Klegon added. “The 200C EV concept is a connectivity portal to the world outside, creating a rewarding relationship between driver and automobile. The result is a driving experience that celebrates the human instinct to be connected to our world.”

Getting the car into production may be a bit of a challenge for Chrysler who is presently going through its worst financial crisis since its founding. Recently, the automaker received a multi-billion loan package from the federal government and is currently seeking an additional three billion dollars in a bid to stay afloat.

Each of the Chrysler electric vehicles on display are either reworkings of current models or in the case of the Chrysler 200C EV and Dodge Circuit EV, entirely new cars designed by Chrysler’s design team which is headed up by Ralph Gilles, the designer of the award winning Chrysler 300C.

If Chrysler manages to find funding and/or a buyer to survive for the long term, each of the lithium-ion powered cars could play a significant role in the automaker’s future.

However, the current economic downturn and the federal government’s unwillingness to continually support the trouble American auto industry could cut short Chrysler’s quest to rebound.

Source: Chrysler LLC