Chrysler, Renault to Open Plant in Spain

Chrysler Corp. and the French auto maker Renault said Monday that they had chosen a site in Spain to produce a new four-wheel-drive vehicle that will compete against Japanese rivals.

The site, in a plant occupied by Renault’s Spanish subsidiary in Valladolid, about 100 miles north of Madrid, will produce the vehicles for the European market beginning in 1992 and may also export to the United States.

A plant in the United States, probably on a site owned by Chrysler, will be chosen soon for North American output.

The announcement marked another step for the world’s car manufacturers as they maneuver for position ahead of the creation of a unified European market at the end of 1992, analysts said.

Renault and Chrysler announced the new $440-million joint venture company, known as Arcad SA, about a year ago. The project represents a move toward Chrysler’s often-stated goal of expanding its European presence.