Chrysler has announced today that the production of the all new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible started at Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant (SHAP) alongside the Chrysler Sebring Sedan and the 2008 Dodge Avenger.

The Assembly Plant featurs a new technology, called Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS) that allows the company to bring its new vehicles to market more quickly and to manufacture multiple products on one assembly line.

"We are seeing a great deal of success at the Sterling Heights facility due to the commitment of our plant employees," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "Their willingness to support and foster a small-team workplace model has delivered a successful third-vehicle launch.

"With our Flexible Manufacturing Strategy, the assembly operation now has the capability to build multiple upper bodies and multiple vehicle families, allowing the flexibility to add new models or "cross-load" models from other plants in order to better meet market dynamics," said Robert Bowers, Plant Manager - Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.

Three engine options power the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible sold in the United States: the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

Sebring Convertible’s 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

An available FFV 2.7-liter V-6 engine provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competition’s four-cylinder engines. Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring model’s 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited models sold in the United States also are available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick.