Chrysler builds cars the Fiat way

There's a new look, commitment and enthusiasm at a refurbished Jeep plant in Detroit and it is a model being replicated across Chrysler Group LLC's 28 North American plants.

Chrysler has spent $700 million on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jefferson North assembly plant where it is being built. But the investment represents more than the traditional tooling and promises that accompany the launch of a next-generation vehicle.

Cars are now being built the Fiat SpA way. After Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy June 10 and formed a partnership with Fiat, CEO Sergio Marchionne ordered all Chrysler plants to adopt Fiat's World Class Manufacturing system, designed to improve quality and productivity by eliminating waste and bottlenecks.