Chrysler celebrated the launch of production on the new 2009 Dodge Ram pickup on Friday, a vehicle that Chrysler is hoping will help turn around the fortunes of the struggling automaker.

"The best way to compete in a business challenged by high gas prices and tight credit is to have the strongest pickup truck available in the marketplace," said Jim Press, vice chairman and president, Chrysler LLC. "With the launch today of the 2009 Dodge Ram, we have an opportunity to demonstrate what Chrysler can accomplish when we fully commit to meeting the needs of our customers. It is a very exciting, and important, launch for our organization and dealer body."

Chrysler said approximately $220 million was invested in the Warren, Mich., truck assembly plant to prepare for production of the new Dodge Ram.

"Today’s launch of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram demonstrates Michigan’s continued leadership in the global auto industry," said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "We are proud to support Chrysler's commitment to invest in Michigan and create jobs for Michigan workers."

The celebration was tempered by the news that Chrysler said it will make another round of early retirement and buyout offers to factory workers in the Detroit area.

The offers going out this month are similar to previous packages and designed to clear out about 2,000 workers who are on indefinite layoff due to slumping sales.

It isn't immediately known how many workers will be eligible. Chrysler has about 45,000 hourly workers worldwide.

Press said at the event that the U.S. economy probably won't improve until late 2009 or 2010. But he said Chrysler will be ready when the economy improves because it has right-sized its business and has seven new models coming out by then.