Chrysler to End GEMA?

After Toyota today confirmed that it will close NUMMI in March next year, Chrysler might take a similar decision and shut down the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant in Dundee. There are no confirmed reports at this time but the Detroit Free Press writes that the American manufacturer has already removed logos of its partners, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, from the entrance of the facility.

This might be the first indication that Chrysler wants to end the GEMA but still, it might also be a sign that the American manufacturer intends to take full control of the factory. As said, Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi declined to comment on the subject, which is usually the first hint that there might be some truth behind these words.

The joint venture was officially formed in May 2002 and was especially established to help the three involved companies collaborate on the development of engines. The alliance builds a 4-cylinder engines with variable valve timing, including 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter powerplants to be used by Chrysler in the United States.

"GEMA manufactures a family of fuel-efficient, four-cylinder engines for the global automotive market. In addition, Global Engines based on the same basic engine architecture are also manufactured at our parents' sister facilities in Shiga, Japan (MMC), Asan, Korea (HMC), and Montgomery, Alabama (HMC). In total, annual production of Global Engines surpasses 1 million units per year and they can be found in over 20 vehicle nameplates worldwide," it is mentioned on the official GEMA website.

Among the models powered by GEMA made engines, we can mention Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Compass, Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 4007, Citroen C-Crosser, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sportage.