FCA to Close Viper Plant

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will permanently shutter its Conner plant in Detroit on Aug. 31 as the facility ends hand-built production of the Dodge Viper sports car.

The company announced the impending closure two years ago. The facility employs about 80 people, all of whom are expected to be offered jobs at other facilities.

FCA is phasing out the $90,000 Viper, which was introduced in 1992, because it can’t meet U.S. safety standards that will take effect in September. Production also was suspended between 2010 and 2013. Sales last year totaled 630 units, according to Autodata Corp.