DaimlerChrysler to Invest $40 Billion in North America despite Cutbacks by GM and Ford

Its Canadian Chrysler Group manufacturing operation has been the recent star of the global corporation, being that it

Approximately two-thirds of DaimlerChrysler's $40 billion USD North American investment will go to develop new products and update the existing Chrysler Group lineup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

manufacturers the best-selling Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, popular Pacifica crossover vehicle and sensational Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and now Dodge Charger full-size LX cars.

Approximately two-thirds of DaimlerChrysler's $40 billion USD North American investment will go to develop new products and update the existing lineup of its mass market player, Chrysler Group, with the rest of the money spent in its U.S. Mercedes-Benz operations as well as Freightliner, the largest seller of industrial trucks on the continent.

Upon disclosed the substantial figure, Schrempp went on to explain the importance of North America in DaimlerChrysler's current operations and the significance of its single-largest market for future growth.

The Germany-based automaker, with a market capitalization second only to Toyota, includes 37 manufacturing facilities

DaimlerChrysler also owns Freightliner, the largest seller of industrial trucks on the continent. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

worldwide of which 12 passenger car related plants are in the U.S., 3 in Canada and 2 in Mexico - other commercial plants are also situated in North America, such as Freightliner's Swan Island facility in North Portland, Oregon, and the brand's Mount Holly and High Point, North Carolina facilities, plus the Gaffney, South Carolina plant.

Not only does DaimlerChrysler employ more than 100,000 people in its North American (U.S., Canada and Mexico) operation, as previously mentioned, but it also indirectly creates jobs for tens of thousands more by purchasing about $36 billion USD worth of components from outside suppliers, such as Plymouth, Michigan-based Metaldyne Corp.