Autoblog

Chrysler is looking to offload two of its axle plants in an effort to limit its in-house parts production. The automaker has already offered to sell both plants to American Axle & Manufacturing and Dana Corp. for $400 million, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal. Unfortunately for Chrysler, however, there hasn't been much interest in the offer. The move could also include the closure of Detroit Axle and the purchase of Chrysler's unfinished plant in Marysville. All of this is further proof that the Cerberus-owned automaker is making a serious attempt to pair down its production facilities and lessen its overhead.

[Source: Wall Street Journal, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

With all the news surrounding the possible sale of Chrysler, it's nice to know that the forlorn automaker is still looking to the future and revamping aging production centers.

An announcement is expected later this week regarding a new axle plant that will supposedly be built somewhere northeast of downtown Detroit. The $700 million plant, designed to replace another axle plant in Motown, is expected to be in operation by 2010 and will employ some 900 workers.

Information about the factory comes via the Detroit News, who's union sources indicate that the work rules for the new plant are up for a vote today, while at the same time, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority is mulling over tax incentives for Chrysler. If all goes according to plan, expect an announcement this Wednesday, as Governor Granholm, UAW Pres Ron Gettelfinger and Chrysler's CEO, Tom LaSorda take to the podium.

[Source: Detroit News]