Monday, May 9, 2005

Chrysler vehicles get prime parking

Associated Press

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KOKOMO, Ind. -- Workers at two DaimlerChrysler AG's transmission plants had better allow more time to walk in from the parking lot if they drive Ford or General Motors vehicles.

A new policy that takes effect today designates about 80 percent of employee parking spaces for Chrysler vehicles only and forces workers to park much farther away if they drive a car or truck made by a competing manufacturer.

In case employees forget, there are new blue lines painted on the parking lot and signs that declare "DaimlerChrysler Parking Only" and "DaimlerChrysler Vehicle Parking."

Workers have been told that non-Chrysler vehicles parked in the reserved areas will be towed to Indianapolis at a cost of $200, the Kokomo Tribune reported Sunday.

The policy does not apply to vehicles with license plates for the disabled.

Chrysler spokesman Edward Saenz said most Chrysler plants across the country have similar parking policies.

He said he did not know how many plants in Michigan do.

"It's a local decision, and it's not mandated by the headquarters," he said. "I don't think it's surprising here in Detroit. I think it's been common for a while."

Local UAW union halls also prohibit foreign cars from parking in lots. Both transmission plants have ample parking, and the new policy does not apply to vehicles with handicap plates, he said.

The plants posted signs and painted the new lines about two weeks ago, he said. Employees began receiving warnings last week leading up to this week’s enforcement.

Nine-year employee Bill Parks considers the new policy “a form of harassment.” He drives a Pontiac, made by GM.

“I think we have other issues going on in the company besides where to park your vehicle,” Parks said.

He is not disabled but has a back condition that occasionally flares up. He bought his Pontiac as a second vehicle because he didn’t want to go into debt with two new Chrysler vehicles.

“I tried to find a good Dodge vehicle when I was buying this one, but I couldn’t find one at the time,” he said.

Detroit News Staff Writer Marisa Schultz contributed to this report.