Chrysler has taken full ownership of the Tritec joint-venture engine plant it operated in Brazil with
BMW. The 1.4L and 1.6L engines were used in the first generation of the BMW-built MINI and overseas-market versions of the
Dodge Neon and
Chrysler PT Cruiser. BMW replaced the unloved engines in the new
MINI with a unit developed with
Peugeot, while Chrysler is now using its new global four-cylinder engines developed and shared with
Mitsubishi and
Hyundai.
Chrysler now has to decide what to do with the plant. It will probably be sold off, with both Russia's AutoVaz and China's Lifan reportedly interested.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]