KOKOMO, Ind. -- Chrysler is investing $400 million in four Kokomo-area plants as it shifts most of its vehicles to new transmissions that save fuel and better suit the driving habits of Americans.
It will add 1,250 jobs to what it calls the world's largest transmission factory complex, which will make fuel-efficient eight- and nine-speed automatic transmissions.Chrysler plans to use the nine-speed transmission in key front-wheel-drive vehicles such as the Dodge Dart compact, which hasn't met sales expectations. The transmission will also go into a new Chrysler 200 midsize sedan early next year and the Jeep Cherokee midsize SUV, which will replace the aging Jeep Liberty in the summer.Most manufacturers rely on five- and six-speed transmissions to move their cars and trucks.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
