Detroit City Council Instructs Stellantis To Do Something About Smelly Jeep Factory

Stellantis is being urged by the Detroit City Council to take action against the strange smell that emanates from the Detroit Assembly Complex - Mack reports Automotive News. (AN)

The issue, which has plagued residents near the factory for more than a year, centers around a displeasing odor from the facility. Residents are frustrated and have endured strong paint and solvent smells for some time. The council has asked Stellantis to purchase affected homes "at fair market value" and fit them with air filters, air monitors, HVAC systems, and new windows.

Alternatively, the automotive group could also "completely and permanently eliminate the noxious odors emanating from the facility," said the council. Despite numerous attempts to trace the stench, the automaker has failed to find the root of the problem.

Stellantis established a $1.8 million fund to repair affected homes and protect them from the permeating smell. However, this amount is seen as "insufficient" in meeting local homeowners' needs. Since the first complaints started rolling in, Detroit Assembly Complex - Mack (which builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee L) has been hauled over the coals several times, with multiple air-quality infractions and elevated levels of pollutants.

Despite this, officials say the air itself is safe. The automaker has tried to remedy the situation and has applied for a permit to fit a regenerative thermal oxidizer. Michigan has yet to approve the installation, but Stellantis says this could solve the paint odor problem.

Company spokesperson Jodi Tinson said Stellantis remains committed to solving the problem and, in the meantime, is using interim odor controls.