Chrysler’s first plant resumes production
June 16, 2009 by David Twomey
Chrysler Group LLC has resumed production at its first factory since emerging from bankruptcy last week: a Detroit plant that makes the low-volume Dodge Viper sports car.
The re-opening will bring some life to the Conner Avenue plant, which Chrysler has been unable to sell.
The company has built only 61 cars there this year, and former CEO Robert Nardelli said in bankruptcy court documents last month that the business has drawn limited interest from potential buyers.
Chrysler shut its assembly operations after filing for bankruptcy on April 30. Executives have said most plants would resume production by the end of June.
“At this time, we cannot give exact timing in regards to the start of production at our other manufacturing facilities,” the carmaker, now controlled by Italy’s Fiat S.p.A., said in a statement today.
The plants initially will resume production of 2009 models and then switch to 2010 production after the normal summer shutdown in July.
Dow Jones reported the Viper plant reopening earlier.
In last month’s court filings, Mr Nardelli said Chrysler had offered to sell the entire Conner Avenue operation for $10 million.
“We received no purchaser interest,” Mr Nardelli said. “The market for such assets is extremely depressed at this time.”
The documents also said that on May 15, Chrysler received a $5.5 million offer from Devon Motor Works to buy the Viper operation, with no assumption of liabilities, and to lease the plant for one year.
Devon Motors was founded by Scott Devon, CEO of Cole’s Quality Foods, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a maker of frozen garlic bread and toast, a receptionist at Cole’s said at the time.
Another nibble has come from Poland’s AutoGroup SA.
Print it: 
lets hope Fiat can change that around for the once great American. Nah just kidding, they deserve to fail for making an 8.0litre car, with such poor quality.
Good news about Chrysler finally!
Great news about Chrysler finally!
Thes cars are soooooooooo good to look at and drool over.
I fully understand why American car enthusiasts thought that the monaro looked like a ” sucked caramel “
So this is the only current Chrysler model in production then? That’s kinda ironic, given that Fiat now controls the company.
Please tell me that the 300 c hasn’t gone,what a truly astounding design,in yer face or what.
Gorgeous interior too,ha,and a quality Merc diesel engine.
I like the idea of the Hemi that goes from 4 to 8 cyl when you boot it.Mind you they fart and backfire like crazy when that happens,but it wakes everyone up,if anyone wants to give me theirs I will take it off your hands,thanks.
Shak
You gotta be joking, the viper rules!!!
It will tear youre VW Golf ( I am just guessing that’s what you drive ) apart.
Hemi-Head
Fiat needs the Chryler rear wheel drive platforms to produce future alfa RWD models.
Wouldnt worry about it…they were in discussions with Chryler about a joint venture 3 years ago…so they now control the direction of the company and RWd Alfa is part of the strategy.
Cheers