Successful 300C has Chrysler Considering Upping Production

The new models, including the Magnum and Grand Cherokee, will only add to the strain the automaker is feeling in its Saltillo,

"People told us when we started out with the Magnum that station wagons are dead, and I said, I don't give a sh!t," stated Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Mexico HEMI plant, which began producing the storied engine in 2002 and is projected to build up to 440,000 engines this year. While production has already increased, by "breaking some bottlenecks" according to Zetsche, Chrysler is also making plans to up production by adding extra shifts to the Saltillo plant.

"We are much more flexible in Mexico with regard to what we can do versus our U.S. plants," stated Zetsche.

Meanwhile, despite the backlog of orders the 300 line in Chryco's Brampton, Ontario plant was temporarily slowed to up production of the Magnum sport tourer,

The Dodge Super8 HEMI concept that debuted at the 2001 Detroit auto show hints at the new Magnum, in its front end design. Will the upcoming Dodge Charger look similar? So far the domestic automaker has said nothing on the subject. (DaimlerChrysler Canada)

making sure a sufficient supply of the new model gets out to dealerships before its official launch next week.

But still, demand will most likely outstrip supply. With this in mind Zetsche told the group of journalists that production may continue through the traditional two-week summer shutdown in order to keep up to the outstanding orders.

"We are talking with the union to see what is possible," added Zetsche.

When asked by one journalist whether he was surprised by the early interest in the 300C, "Zetsche responded with, "I wouldn't recommend planning for this kind of success."