| Conner Avenue Assembly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Operated | 1966–2017 |
| Location | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°26′N 83°01′W / 42.44°N 83.02°W |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Owner(s) |
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Conner Center, previously known as Conner Avenue Assembly, is a Stellantis North America facility in Detroit, Michigan. The facility opened in 1966 as a factory for spark plug company Champion. It was closed by Cooper Industries in 1990 shortly after their acquisition of Champion.[1] In 1995, Chrysler purchased the facility to be a low-volume specialty assembly plant.[2]
Dodge Viper production moved from New Mack Assembly to Conner in October 1995[1] and Plymouth Prowler production started in May 1997. The Viper's V10 engine was originally built at Mound Road Engine but moved to Conner Avenue in May 2001.[1] The facility had been out of use since 2010, when Viper production temporarily ceased, however the plant resumed operations in late 2012 to build the Viper again.[3]
On July 12, 2017, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that due to the Viper's discontinuation, the plant would be shut down permanently on August 31.[4] The factory's 86 workers were offered employment at other FCA sites.[1]
However, in 2018 FCA announced that the plant will be renamed the "Conner Center" and will serve as "an internal meeting and display space that will showcase the Company’s concept and historic vehicle collection," some of which was formerly hosted at the closed Walter P. Chrysler Museum.[5][6]
- ^ a b c d Ernst, Kurt (July 13, 2017). "End of Viper production signals closure of FCA's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant". Hemmings Daily. American City Business Journals. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
- ^ "The Conner Avenue (Dodge Viper) Assembly Plant". Allpar Forums. November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ "Conner Avenue Assembly Plant". American Auto Worker. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ Macioce, Ben (July 12, 2017). "Fiat Chrysler announces closing of Conner Assembly Plant". Click on Detroit. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ "Former Viper Plant to Become New Home of FCA US Car Collection; Company Launches Viper Memorabilia Auction to Benefit United Way". Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ Vellequette, Larry P. (March 21, 2018). "FCA envisions turning small Detroit plant into museum for car collection". Automotive News. Retrieved September 5, 2023.