Jeep ZJ Engines to Be Built at Kenosha Plant

Chrysler Corp. said Thursday its Kenosha Engine plant in Kenosha, Wis., will build 4.0-liter “Power-Tech Six” engines for its Jeep ZJ sport utility vehicles, which will enter production in Detroit early next year.

Chrysler President Robert A. Lutz, in ceremonies commemorating the 1 millionth Chrysler-built engine at Kenosha, said the 190-horsepower engine will be standard equipment in the ZJ, which will be an updated version of the Jeep Cherokee models made in Toledo, Ohio, since 1983.

Lutz said employment at the Kenosha plant, now at 1,100 hourly and salaried workers, will not increase.

Chrysler has invested more than $40 million in Kenosha Engine since it was purchased as part of its takeover of American Motors Corp. in August, 1987. About $7 million is being spent to modernize the engine test area.

The Jeep ZJs will be built at Chrysler’s Jefferson Avenue complex in east Detroit.