AUTOS
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
New Jeep Plant Opens: Chrysler Corp. opened a $1-billion assembly plant in downtown Detroit, trying to increase production of a crucial new Jeep and help fuel a recovery at the nation’s No. 3 auto maker. The state-of-the-art Jefferson North plant uses staggered loading docks to speed delivery of parts to the assembly line. Analysts say Chrysler’s decision to remain in Detroit while other auto makers are building plants in the Sun Belt reflects the company’s need to slash costs and keep operations in close proximity. The plant will employ 2,100 workers and build 170,000 units a year when it reaches full speed in July.
