AUBURN HILLS, MI – The Chrysler Group has launched production of the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro at its Toledo North Assembly Plant that has been producing the Jeep Liberty since 2001. The Dodge Nitro represents Chrysler Group’s expanding flexible manufacturing strategy, allowing the company to bring its new vehicles to market more quickly and the assembly plants the ability to manufacture multiple products on one assembly line. The Toledo North Plant was retooled to manage the building of two different models on one production line. The Dodge Nitro program investment of $600 million included multiple plant upgrades, improving quality, productivity, and worker ergonomics. More than 160,000 square feet were added to the plant floor to enhance body and assembly processes. The retooling of Toledo North is part of $3.9 billion spent on Toledo manufacturing capabilities that include an original $1.2 billion to build Toledo North (opening in 2001) and $2.1 billion for Chrysler’s Toledo Supplier Park, home of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited four door. Chrysler Group’s flexible manufacturing strategy allows the company to produce a higher quality product, faster, for lower cost. FMS is also a key enabler in the company’s plan to launch 10 all-new vehicles in 2006, the most in Chrysler Group’s history. In order to balance production with demand, the FMS approach allows the company to efficiently build lower-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niche, and to quickly shift production volumes between different models within a single plant or among multiple plants. The all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro Dodge is a mid-size, SUV designed for space, functionality, and flexibility. Nitro’s fold-flat, first-row passenger seat and second-row seats offer a variety of loading options. Also new is the LOAD ‘N GO cargo floor, which slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds up to 400 lbs.