F Ford Motor Company

By Chester Dawson 

President-elect Donald Trump praised Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Monday for its decision to invest $1 billion in two existing U.S. plants, a move that came amid criticism of other auto makers for plans to boost production abroad.

Using his Twitter account, Mr. Trump appeared to take credit for FCA's move, which was announced Sunday, tweeting "it's finally happening -- Fiat Chrysler just announced plans to invest $1 BILLION in Michigan and Ohio plants, adding 2000 jobs."

Mr. Trump also hailed a decision by Ford Motor to cancel a planned factory in Mexico, thanking both companies for the expansion of their U.S. manufacturing operations.

FCA said it would invest the $1 billion at plants in Michigan and Ohio, which will be retooled to produce new sports utility and pickup truck models.

Last week, Mr. Trump singled out General Motors and Toyota Motor for their production of vehicles in Mexico. Ford said last week canceled plans to a new Mexican factory and said it would invest $700 million in its U.S. manufacturing operations.

Write to Chester Dawson at chester.dawson@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 09, 2017 10:25 ET (15:25 GMT)

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