Grand Cherokee

Make
Jeep
Segment
SUV

Since 2009, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has invested nearly $14.5 billion in US production facilities, creating over 30,000 new jobs in the process. Part of this investment called for new plug-in hybrid models and EVs, which have yet to materialize. FCA will now invest an additional $4.5 billion to increase capacity in Detroit, Michigan and make room to expand the Jeep and Ram brands. The $4.5 billion will be used to build a new production facility in Detroit and add production capability at five existing plants, which will result in around 6,500 new jobs.

FCA also provided details about the new models that will be built as a result of the investment. The focus, unsurprisingly in today's market, will be on electrification while existing models within the FCA range will also be updated. The Jeep brand will receive two new "white space" products in key markets, which will be the upcoming three-row Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer along with their electrified counterparts.

Jeep is late to the three-row SUV segment but both models should sell well when they do arrive on the market. Both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be built in FCA's Warren Truck Center, which will be retooled as part of the investment. The investment also includes plans for the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. We weren't given as much information about new models from the Ram brand but part of the investment will go towards continued production of the Ram Classic.

"Three years ago, FCA set a course to grow our profitability based on the strength of the Jeep and Ram brands by realigning our US manufacturing operations," said Mike Manley, FCA CEO. "Today's announcement represents the next step in that strategy. It allows Jeep to enter two white space segments that offer significant margin opportunities and will enable new electrified Jeep products, including at least four plug-in hybrid vehicles and the flexibility to produce fully battery-electric vehicles."