Chrysler LLC's St. Louis North Assembly Plant reached a manufacturing milestone today, building its one millionth Dodge Ram. The achievement was celebrated at the plant with employees on both shifts.
"The Dodge Ram has consistently been one of Chrysler's best selling products and America's favorite trucks since its introduction in 2001," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President--Manufacturing, Chrysler LLC. "Our Dodge brand sales increased five percent over last year led by Dodge Ram which posted a gain of 20 percent, year over year."
As testament to the Dodge Ram's popularity among consumers, the vehicle has received numerous awards, including "Best Work Car" by Cars.com and "The Motorist's Choice Award" by Intellichoice. Four Wheeler magazine named the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX4, one of "10 Best Buys in Four Wheel-Drive."
"After overseeing production of Dodge Rams for the past 3 1/2 years, I'm convinced how much people love the vehicle," said Chuck Kowalski, St. Louis North Plant Manager, Chrysler LLC. "It is a symbol of how important Chrysler has been to the economy in the Fenton area."
Dodge Ram
Variations of the truck are also built at Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant and Saltillo (Mexico) Truck Assembly Plant.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.5 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Last year, Dodge entered key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Avenger made its European debut this year. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will be sold in global volume markets outside North America in both left-hand and right-hand drive in mid-2008
St. Louis North Assembly's Rich History
Chrysler has a history of working with the St. Louis community. In the past five years, the Chrysler Foundation has contributed more than $1 million to charitable organizations in the greater St. Louis community, including the United Way of Greater St. Louis; Boys Town of Missouri; Make a Wish Foundation; and Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Chrysler LLC has two manufacturing facilities that are both located in Fenton, Mo. The 2.64 million sq. ft. St. Louis South Assembly Plant is home to the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. The plant employs approximately 2,800 people. The Dodge Ram Standard and Quad Cab pickups are built at St. Louis North Assembly Plant. The 2.29 million sq. ft. St. Louis North Plant was constructed in 1966. The plant employs approx. 2,330 people at this time.