Chrysler used the Geneva Motor Show to debut a new diesel-powered version of its Jeep Grand Cherokee – suggesting at the time that in all likelihood the oil-burning engine would not end up stateside. But it is no secret now that Chrysler fully intends to bring the engine to the U.S., announcing new related jobs today.
Now more official than ever, Chrysler announced it would be adding a third crew and 1,100 jobs to the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit to produce the Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel when it arrives later this year. In addition to those jobs, Chrysler will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, also in Detroit, adding another 150 jobs for the production of the Dodge SRT Viper.
“Detroit long has been home to renowned innovators and craftsmen. So it is in the Motor City, home of our industrial heritage and a resilient people, that we are entrusting the manufacture not only of the ultimate American sports car, the SRT Viper, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee – the most awarded SUV ever – but also a diesel version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee for North American markets,” commented Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne.
The plant where the Grand Cherokee is built is also the home of production for the platform-mate Dodge Durango and will be switching to a 3-2-120 schedule. This schedule is considered a win-win for Chrysler and its UAW workers as it allows for an extra 49 days of production per year while still allowing for 49 days off for each worker.
While certainly not bringing as large an addition in terms of additional jobs, the return of the Viper…albeit without the Dodge brand, will surely provide a moral and image boost for the brand. The Conner Avenue Assembly Plant will gain nearly 150 hourly and salaried workers to produce the sports car. The Viper will return in late 2012 as a 2013 model year vehicle.
