[quote]Highly anticipated 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R) production begins at Brampton Assembly Plant

Employees, guests join Chrysler executive Vice President Frank Ewasyshyn for festivities

Manufacturing expertise contributes to product quality

Modern muscle car offers best of past, present

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 8 -- Chrysler LLC today celebrated the production launch of one of the industry's most highly anticipated vehicles -- the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R). Dodge Challenger is back in Chrysler's line-up as a modern muscle car with a new SRT8 model. A full line-up will follow in the 2009 model-year. Consumer interest in the Dodge Challenger has been some of the highest seen at Chrysler.

The all-new Dodge Challenger is built at Chrysler's Brampton Assembly Plant on the same assembly line as the Dodge Charger and the award-winning Chrysler 300.

"Even though the development time for this Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the shortest in Chrysler's history, the wait for this exciting car has been too long, and as of today, the wait is finally over!" said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "Dodge Challenger represents the best of Chrysler's past and future. The teams that worked to bring this vehicle to market with quality and speed have done an excellent job."

Nearly 1,000 employees and invited guests joined Mr. Ewasyshyn for the celebration.

Quality Manufacturing

To ensure quality targets were met and to foster a smooth manufacturing launch, a team of Brampton employees spent months helping to build pilot vehicles at Chrysler's Auburn Hills Technology Center. Then, early pre-production models were built on the Brampton assembly line -- rather than a pilot facility -- which allowed engineers to more realistically test the production process.

"The vision of rolling launches on lines that build multiple and variant models is becoming a reality as demonstrated with the Dodge Challenger at the Brampton Assembly Plant," said Fred Godetel, Vice President - Car and Minivan Manufacturing. "Chrysler's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy, little more than a theory a few years ago, is being proved out at plants across North America."

The Brampton Assembly Plant features Chrysler's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy which provides for the production of higher quality products at lower cost. This unique system combines off-the-shelf robotics with customized and interchangeable tooling to build a variety of products on a single assembly line. This manufacturing expertise also allows the Company to more quickly and easily balance vehicle production with customer demand.

Dodge Challenger

The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger combines unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger with world-class performance. Approximately 7,000 2008 model-year vehicles for North American markets will be produced before 2009 model-year vehicles begin production in August. For 2009, the Company will offer three models: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8.

Dodge dealers have seen a tremendous interest in the Dodge Challenger and 2008 models are already sold out.

Although the original Dodge Challenger muscle car lasted only five model years, the Dodge Challenger became one of the most storied muscle car nameplates in automotive history, with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

The U.S. MSRP for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 starts at $37,995, including the $675 destination charge.

Customer First

With world-class products like the Dodge Challenger, Chrysler can respond to customer insights and expectations with vehicles that truly capture the essence of the Company's bold spirit while exceeding customer expectations.

The New Chrysler LLC is more nimble than a publicly held company and is moving quickly to deliver more quality and value

 

Skippy,

great post and thanks, sounds like things are really rolling after today. WONDERFUL NEWS, YippEEEEEEEEEEE. Hopefully my car will move to D1 soon. It's been a long wait and I'm ready to rock that baby down the highway. I have several cd's that I have ready, like 6 of them to be more specific. But I will definitely be listening to the hemi breath the fresh air and exhaust rumble. Are You Ready To Rumble?

 

Man, I'm excited for you guys and look forward to seeing the posts as you recieve your awsome rides. I will live vicariously through your adventures until I recieve mine in 09.

 

I hear 09's are july production so you don't have long to wait