Automaker FCA US has confirmed a new plan to invest $1 billion in Jeep plants in Michigan and Ohio which would create 2,000 jobs.
A release sent out by FCA said Jeep plans to increase production by adding a new Jeep pickup truck, Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
Money will be used to modernize manufacturing plants in Warren, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio.
“The conversion of our industrial footprint completes this stage of our transformation as we respond to the shift in consumer tastes to trucks and SUVs, and as we continue to reinforce the U.S. as a global manufacturing hub for those vehicles at the heart of the SUV and truck market,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of FCA N.V.
“The expansion of our Jeep lineup has been and continues to be the key pillar of our strategy. Our commitment to internationalize the Jeep brand is unwavering, and with these last moves, we will finally have the capacity to successfully penetrate markets other than the U.S. which have historically been denied product due to capacity constraints. In addition, these all-new products will reach new consumers, as well as those that have been part of the Jeep tradition,” said Marchionne.
The release stated that the plan is subject to negotiations and requires final approval by state and local officials.