(December 17, 2009) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler will invest $179 million to launch production of an advanced technology, fuel-efficient engine for the North American market, which will be built at the company’s Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Michigan.

The investment will create up to 573 new jobs industry-wide, including up to 155 new Chrysler Group jobs.

The GEMA plant, located in Dundee, Mich., will produce the 1.4-liter, 16-valve Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) for use in Chrysler Group’s growing fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles. FIRE is a collaboration between Chrysler Group and Fiat powertrain groups and will include Fiat’s innovative advanced technologies to reduce engine emissions and improve fuel economy.

“This is one more important step forward that demonstrates our intent to deliver on the promise of the Fiat-Chrysler strategic alliance and the substance of the road map we laid out in November,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group chief executive officer.

“This project further demonstrates that Michigan has the competitive business climate, infrastructure and talented workforce to compete in the global marketplace,” said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm.

Today’s announcement follows a thorough site selection review by the company and actions by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Village of Dundee in support of the project.

Production of the 1.4-liter engine at GEMA will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. The first application of the engine will be in the North American-built Fiat 500 that will go into production in 2011.