First reported in June, the plant shutdown and Liberty upgrade will cost Chrysler a total of $1.7 billion. About $500 million of that investment will be used to update the plant's body shop as well as install a new metrology center that will be able to verify vehicle measurements. The metrology center should vastly improve the fit and finish and overall quality of the next-generation utility vehicle.
Jeep also produces the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited in Toledo, but the production of those vehicles will not be impacted by the plant closure.
Jeep has yet to show its Liberty replacement, but the next-generation vehicle is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show in January. Although the Liberty has been a relative success for Jeep, it remains unknown if the next version of the SUV will carry over the Liberty nameplate.
