The One Millionth Vehicle Rolls Off the Line at Chrysler Group LLC's Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- 999,998; 999,999; one million! Chrysler Group LLC's Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant (BAP) passed a significant milestone on the morning of July 28, 2010, when the one millionth compact vehicle currently produced at the plant rolled off the assembly line.

The natural green Jeep® Patriot, which will be delivered to B.Z. Motors Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge in Lewisburg, Pa., is one of three models produced at the plant. The other two models are the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass. Production of the family of vehicles began in 2005 with the Dodge Caliber.

"The Belvidere plant has been producing some of Chrysler's most popular models for the past 45 years and the Jeep Patriot is just the latest model to add to the list," said Kurt Kavajecz, BAP Plant Manager. "We are honored to be part of this significant milestone. The success of the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber is a testament to the dedication of our workforce and their commitment to producing a high quality product."

The 2010 Jeep Patriot that rolled off the line was equipped with a 2.4-liter engine, a five-speed manual transmission and premium features including satellite radio, power heated seats, keyless entry, speed control, leather wrapped steering wheel and aluminum wheels.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a Jeep Patriot starts at $15,995 (including $630 destination).

Overall, sales of the Jeep Patriot through June have totaled nearly 16,500 units, up 21 percent from 2009. Since production began, more than 550,000 Patriots have been produced.

About the Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot is designed for customers who want four-wheel-drive capability or the year-round versatility of front-wheel drive, excellent fuel economy of 29 mpg and an attractive price point. With modern interior and classic Jeep exterior styling, including traditional round Jeep headlamps, seven-slot grille, muscular body-side flares, and strong stance—the 2010 Jeep Patriot broadens the classic Jeep design appeal to new customers.

Jeep Patriot has received a Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating the organization bestows. The Jeep Patriot has also received the Compact SUV Texas award by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).

History of the Belvidere Assembly Plant

Belvidere Assembly Plant was constructed in 1964-65. The first car was produced on July 7, 1965. The product line from 1965 to 1977 included the Plymouth and Dodge two-door, four-door models and station wagons, and the Chrysler Town & Country station wagon.

In 1977, the plant was converted to front-wheel-drive production. From 1978-1987, the product lines included Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni.

In 1987, the plant underwent a $367 million state-of-the-art, 16-week model changeover to produce the Chrysler New Yorker and Dodge Dynasty, the company's full-size front-wheel drive four-door sedans. Two years later, the plant underwent a $72 million model changeover for production of 1990 models that included the Chrysler Imperial and New Yorker Salon.

In 1994, the plant was converted to produce the Plymouth and Dodge Neon. Production of the Neon ended in September 2005. The Dodge Caliber was launched in December 2005, followed by the Jeep Compass in May 2006 and Jeep Patriot in December 2006.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles, such as the company's Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC.

Corporate Website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com  

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC