DETROIT -- Amidst the recent turmoil surrounding DaimlerChrysler’s refusal to bailout Mitsubishi comes good news from the company’s manufacturing sector. Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s incoming COO, says manufacturing productivity will rise 4 to 5 percent in 2004, according to Automotive News. Lasorda is basing his projection on the annual Harbour Report, which measures manufacturing efficiency. He expects the 2004 Harbour Report to show that Chrysler boosted productivity as much as 7.5 percent in 2003. Chrysler was the most improved automaker in the 2003 Report, posting an 8.3 percent gain in overall productivity. It took Chrysler plant workers 28 hours to assemble a vehicle in 2002. Chrysler still trails efficiency leader Nissan by 11 hours.