DaimlerChrysler To Build New PT Cruiser Convertible In Mexico - Ole'

MEXICO CITY January 14, 2003; Amy Guthrie writing for Dow Jones reported that DaimlerChrysler AG said Wednesday it has begun producing the convertible version of the PT Cruiser in its Toluca, Mexico, plant.

In a press release, the German-American car maker said the project called for $45 million in upgrades and equipment for the central Mexican plant, where DaimlerChrysler has been building PT Cruisers since February 2000.

"The whole team played a role in our being able to continue producing the PT Cruiser, and at the same time make necessary changes to the plant to launch the convertible model," said Roberto Gutierrez, vice president of manufacturing for DaimlerChrysler Mexico.

DaimlerChrysler's Toluca plant is the sole producer of the PT Cruiser, which the company exports to 90 countries. The plant has manufactured about 600,000 PT Cruisers over the past four years.

In 2003, the company turned out 308,738 vehicles between its two Mexican plants, making it the country's second biggest auto maker after General Motors Corp.

Snide's RemarksThey must really know how to build convertibles in Mexico the PT joins the VW New Bug convertible as another South of the Border product