Chrysler Mulls Adding V-6 Production in Detroit

Chrysler Group LLC has told employees at its Mack I engine plant in Detroit that it is considering a $198 million investment to add production of its fuel-efficient V-6 Pentastar engine there.

Chrysler is seeking economic development incentives from Detroit and the state of Michigan for the project, which the company says would create about 250 jobs. If those negotiations are successful, the factory would switch from making 4.7-liter V-8 engines to Pentastar powerplants at the end of next year, according to Chrysler.

The company didn't disclose whether the Detroit facility would build 3.6-liter V-6 engines as do plants in Saltillo, Mexico, and Trenton, Mich. or other displacements being planned. Both existing Pentastar plants are running overtime, and the annual summer shutdown at Trenton was canceled this year.

Chrysler said earlier this month it would mothball the adjacent Mack II factory in September when its 3.7-liter V-6 engine goes out of production. The facility's 180 workers will be offered other jobs at Chrysler, which could include positions at Mack 1.