Three automakers join in engine deal

DETROIT - DaimlerChrysler AG, Hyundai Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Sunday they were forming a joint venture to develop a family of in-line four-cylinder gasoline engines. <br> <br> Global Engine Alliance LLC engines will be used in future generations of vehicles of Hyundai, Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrylser&#39;s Chrysler Group. <br> <br> ``For Chrysler Group, this project represents tangible fruits of the alliance with Mitsubishi and Hyundai,&#39;&#39; Chrysler Group president Dieter Zetsche said in a statement. ``A venture like this could well lead to even greater cooperation,&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The venture will be equally owned by the three automakers and will be located in the United States. Hyundai will have lead responsibility for decisions on design, development and engineering the aluminum engine. <br> <br> Each company will produce the engine for its own vehicles, with production expected to approach 1.5 million engines a year, the automakers said. <br> <br> The alliance was to begin operations in May, with production of engines by Hyundai expected to start in March 2004. Chrysler and Mitsubishi were expected to begin production in 2005. <br> <br> Four-cylinder engines are mainly used in small cars.