The plant was not without its labor problems, including employee sabotage in vehicle production.

Total Chrysler vehicle production was about 1.58 million that year.

"This is our first step into China's commercial vehicle production," a spokesman said.

At the same time, vehicle production has been falling.

Last year, its overall vehicle production reached 600,000 units, double the level in 1989.

Under European rules, this funding can only be used to lower emissions during vehicle production and in consumer use.

Both companies said Brazilian vehicle production has resumed in the third quarter and is beginning to approach normal levels.

Total vehicle production in 1955 was 1044, by 1958 it rose to 3596.

During its later years it branched out into vehicle production.

Annual vehicle production in the late 1970s and early 1980s averaged 500 units.