Grump E-Vet
Active member
During new Detroit Auto Show last month new FCA CEO, Mike Manley (former head of Jeep & Ram) said that he was going to be outlining more of the upcoming FCA production plans, this also probably planned to coincide with the Chicago Auto Show opening this weekend.
https://www.freep.com/story/money/c...troit-auto-show-sergio-marchionne/2552874002/
I have heard from many friends and family that work at Belvidere Assembly, where Cherokee production was recently moved to open up capacity at the Toledo plants for JL and Gladiator (Additionally they produce the refreshed Jeep Compass) that they have been told there will be a big announcement this week of something. The guess is that they will be allocated to build another new vehicle, possibly a US version of the Jeep Commander (which could be badge engineered as a Chrysler might be okay because I don’t know how “trail-rated” it is supposed to be) that is currently built in China only for that market as it is built on a similar platform and its dimensions still fit Belvidere’s body and paint shops.
https://www.allpar.com/news/2018/01/grand-commander-preview-of-a-chrysler-crossover-39424
Additionally, as part of the plans that will be laid out for forthcoming production should include the former Mack II engine plant in Detroit they are refurbishing to build 3rd row Grand Cherokees.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/b...-chrysler-plant-coming-this-month/2572679002/
Also expected to be outlined are plans for Warren Truck (that is currently producing the Ram 1500 classic) for the Jeep Wagoneer\Grand Wagoneer which will be BoF and could be built on a Ram 1500 chassis. But that may be saved for either a new Dodge (Durango going back to it’s truck roots?) or off-road gods willing the first Ram SUV (Ram Raider, Ram Ramcharger?).
https://moparinsiders.com/is-the-wagoneer-grand-wagoneer-delayed-again/
In addition to building the new big high-end Jeeps, Warren originally had been slated to take over Ram HD truck production when it moved from Saltillo, Mexico. But that may have been influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the renegotiation of NAFTA which has since subsided.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/10/fiat-chrysler-boss-pulls-u-turn-on-ram-hd-production/
If that transition were to be cancelled it could lead to the forthcoming BoF Ram Mid-size pickup (which will be built in a different frame than the Gladiator) being produced at Warren as well. Instead of Saltillo or Toledo North where the Gladiator will be built now that JK classic production is winding down.
Of course in addition to all of these potential great off-road vehicles there will be a smaller Jeep crossover that would slate in size wise between the trash box Renegade (imported in from Fiat-Italy) and the Compass. Plus any other Dodge (finally kill the Caravan? New Journey type crossover? New Challenger\Charger platform) or Chrysler products that will be announced (perhaps they finally build the portal)? No matter what happens for our community it will be fun to watch as FCA continues to double down on robust trucks and SUVs that are some of the best stock off-roaders out there. Plus we have to remember that for almost all of the new\refreshed vehicles listed FCA will be putting out EV versions. Sorry for all the supporting links, but sorry not sorry for the blatant FCA bias, they put food on our table growing up after all.... annnnnd discuss!
https://www.freep.com/story/money/c...troit-auto-show-sergio-marchionne/2552874002/
I have heard from many friends and family that work at Belvidere Assembly, where Cherokee production was recently moved to open up capacity at the Toledo plants for JL and Gladiator (Additionally they produce the refreshed Jeep Compass) that they have been told there will be a big announcement this week of something. The guess is that they will be allocated to build another new vehicle, possibly a US version of the Jeep Commander (which could be badge engineered as a Chrysler might be okay because I don’t know how “trail-rated” it is supposed to be) that is currently built in China only for that market as it is built on a similar platform and its dimensions still fit Belvidere’s body and paint shops.
https://www.allpar.com/news/2018/01/grand-commander-preview-of-a-chrysler-crossover-39424
Additionally, as part of the plans that will be laid out for forthcoming production should include the former Mack II engine plant in Detroit they are refurbishing to build 3rd row Grand Cherokees.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/b...-chrysler-plant-coming-this-month/2572679002/
Also expected to be outlined are plans for Warren Truck (that is currently producing the Ram 1500 classic) for the Jeep Wagoneer\Grand Wagoneer which will be BoF and could be built on a Ram 1500 chassis. But that may be saved for either a new Dodge (Durango going back to it’s truck roots?) or off-road gods willing the first Ram SUV (Ram Raider, Ram Ramcharger?).
https://moparinsiders.com/is-the-wagoneer-grand-wagoneer-delayed-again/
In addition to building the new big high-end Jeeps, Warren originally had been slated to take over Ram HD truck production when it moved from Saltillo, Mexico. But that may have been influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the renegotiation of NAFTA which has since subsided.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/10/fiat-chrysler-boss-pulls-u-turn-on-ram-hd-production/
If that transition were to be cancelled it could lead to the forthcoming BoF Ram Mid-size pickup (which will be built in a different frame than the Gladiator) being produced at Warren as well. Instead of Saltillo or Toledo North where the Gladiator will be built now that JK classic production is winding down.
Of course in addition to all of these potential great off-road vehicles there will be a smaller Jeep crossover that would slate in size wise between the trash box Renegade (imported in from Fiat-Italy) and the Compass. Plus any other Dodge (finally kill the Caravan? New Journey type crossover? New Challenger\Charger platform) or Chrysler products that will be announced (perhaps they finally build the portal)? No matter what happens for our community it will be fun to watch as FCA continues to double down on robust trucks and SUVs that are some of the best stock off-roaders out there. Plus we have to remember that for almost all of the new\refreshed vehicles listed FCA will be putting out EV versions. Sorry for all the supporting links, but sorry not sorry for the blatant FCA bias, they put food on our table growing up after all.... annnnnd discuss!