Detroit might be called the Motor City, but the
number of vehicles built there can be counted on one hand. That number could change in the
future as The Wall Street Journal is reporting Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will
open a new plant in Detroit. While the report is light on specifics, it claims
the facility will build a new SUV.
A separate report from The Detroit News is more
detailed and it claims FCA will convert its former Mack Avenue Engine plant
into a new vehicle manufacturing facility. The plant has been idled since 2012
and will reportedly be retooled to begin production of the all-new Jeep Grand
Cherokee.
Sources told the paper the new Grand Cherokee will
arrive in time for the 2021 model year and offer three rows of seating. Jeep
hasn’t said much about the vehicle, but FCA’s latest five-year plan revealed
the next-generation Grand Cherokee will have autonomous driving technology and
an available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Despite being offered with three rows of seats, the
redesigned Grand Cherokee will slot beneath the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand
Wagoneer. Both of those models will also offer autonomous driving technology
and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
When the new plant comes online, the Jefferson North
Assembly Plant – which currently builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge
Durango – will be retooled. Once that process is complete, the plant will begin
building the new Grand Cherokee. An official announcement is expected next week and the report
suggests it could lead to the creation of 400 new jobs.
