WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Greater Toledo Auto Show kicked off today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the Chrysler Group to fully utilize the Toledo Assembly Complex by adding a new production line to the facility as part of the company’s planned 2011 expansion.

“The Greater Toledo Auto Show is proof positive that the American auto industry is alive and well today in Ohio,” Brown said. “Less than two years ago, companies like Chrysler and GM faced a murky future. But thanks to President Obama’s decision to invest in these companies, in addition to programs like Cash for Clunkers, the auto industry is on the rebound. Plants like the Toledo Assembly Complex and Lordstown are humming with workers and activity.

“There’s no better way to showcase the Ohio worker’s role in the success of a company like Chrysler than bringing additional work to the Toledo facility,” Brown continued. “The Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle that’s hugely popular with American consumers, and it’s made right here in northwest Ohio. The Assembly Complex’s record of success with the Wrangler is all the more reason to expand Chrysler’s investment here in Toledo.”

Brown last visited the Toledo Assembly Complex with Vice President Joe Biden in August 2010. At that visit, Brown and Biden touted the success thus far of the Administration’s actions to strengthen the American auto industry, including the role of the Administration’s investments in GM and Chrysler in helping these companies return to profitability, retain and hire workers, and keep plants open.  These investments, along with the steps the Administration and Congress have taken with Cash for Clunkers and the Recovery Act, have not only strengthened the auto industry, but have stimulated economic activity and job growth across the country.

The full letter to Chrysler is below.

Mr. Sergio Marchionne

Chief Executive Officer

Chrysler Group LLC

1000 Chrysler Drive

Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Dear Mr. Marchionne:

I am encouraged by Chrysler’s significant progress towards re-building a successful enterprise, including reporting an operating profit of $565 million for the first three quarters of 2010 and the potential for significant new investments in 2011. I write to encourage you to make the Toledo Assembly Complex, a state-of-the-art facility home to the Jeep Liberty and Nitro, the center of Chrysler’s 2011 expansion.

This type of investment at an existing automotive plant is exactly what Congress and the Administration envisioned when steps were taken last year to assist the industry. From the bridge loans, to funding the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, to authorizing programs like Cash-for-Clunkers, the resurgence of the auto industry has become a great example of the public and private sector coming together to promote economic growth and job creation. An expansion of the Toledo complex would clearly illustrate how support provided to auto companies has helped restore the industry and retain its workforce.

I have no doubt that the addition of a new production line at the Toledo plant would benefit Chrysler and the Toledo area alike.  I applaud you in your efforts and look forward to learning more about Chrysler’s plans for Toledo in the coming months.

If I can be of any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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