ZF and Chrysler May Partner in Marysville

ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Chrysler are discussing the possibility of sharing operations at the automaker's new axle plant in Marysville, Ohio. Chrysler earlier this year struck a similar deal with Canadian components supplier Linamar Corp., whereby Linamar now leases part of Chrysler’s Indiana transmission plant.

DETROIT — ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Chrysler are discussing the possibility of sharing operations at the automaker’s new axle plant in Marysville, Ohio.

According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, the two companies are in non-binding talks regarding the new plant, which is expected to open in 2010 and replace the current Detroit Axle plant.

Plans to build the plant were made before Chrysler was acquired by Cerberus Capital Management in August 2007, and since then a close eye has been kept on the company’s finances and ways to raise funds, said the Free Press report.

The company has been said to have identified more than $1 billion in non-core assets that could be sold, including a California design studio and a Brazilian engine plant, which have already been sold.

Chrysler earlier this year struck a similar deal with Canadian components supplier Linamar Corp., whereby Linamar now leases part of Chrysler’s Indiana transmission plant.