The Jeep brand’s parents, Chrysler LLC, have announced an investment will be made to get ready for the next generation of SUVs to hit the market in 2013. A total of $1.7 billion will be put in to support the development and production at various Chrysler facilities including the Jeep’s home in Toledo, Ohio. The already existing body shop in Toledo will get a 260,000 square foot expansion and all other areas of assembly will be upgraded to allow for the new SUV’s production. Called the D-Segment SUV, the vehicle will be built in Ohio but exported throughout the world. A second shift and more than 1,100 jobs will be added to make sure the investment isn’t wasted.
“Earlier this year, I promised that I would have good news to share about our Toledo operations, so I am pleased to be able to make this announcement, which further demonstrates our commitment to the special relationship that Chrysler and the City of Toledo have shared,” said Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne. Another add-on to Toledo will be an all-new 26,000 square foot Metrology Center to help improve quality by allowing the key measurements to be installed. Work to the plant will begin at the end of 2011 and continue throughout 2012. The next generation Jeep is slated to enter showroom floors in 2013.
Source: Chrysler LLC
