Got that one family member you really truly love but even more really and more truly can't stand? No worries, we all do.
The
unfortunate thing about that situation is that you just can't switch out your
family members, and with a whole slew of holidays now approaching, it's getting
to that time where people wish they could.
Well, Chrysler finds itself in a similar situation. The automaker can't help but love the one-of-a-kind Jeep Liberty, but the time has come for it to be replaced, and Chrysler is up for the challenge. With $1.7 billion invested in the Liberty's replacement, Chrysler looks to the future for its Northfield used Jeep Wrangler and Liberty drivers.
The replacement model will be manufactured at Chrysler's Toledo North Assembly Plant and will require the addition of a second shift for plant employees as well as more than 1,000 new positions. The project is financed by a Chrysler investment that includes a $500 million plant renovation, which will translate to an additional 260,000 square feet in the body shop and numerous facility updates. Evanston used Jeep Liberty drivers will benefit by receiving a nicer replacement car from a nicer facility.
The funds will also support a state-of-the-art Metrology Center to support standardized quality tests. By the end of this year, Chrysler's plan will be in action, although the start to the second shift won't come into play until late 2013.
The replacement vehicle that Evanston used Jeep Liberty drivers are anticipating and that is slated to come out of these renovations will share a platform with Fiat and will be exported throughout the world. Many of the details about the new Jeep D-segment SUV that Northfield used Jeep Wrangler dealerships are awaiting have been hush-hush, but if previous Chrysler products are any indication (and we know that they are), the Liberty's replacement is going to be quite impressive.
Now at least you have something to cheer you up as you're placed next to that irritating aunt or cousin for Thanksgiving. Think about Chrysler's improvements and try not to feel left out as you look around at the facility you wish you could replace along with that annoying family member. After all, no one's saying you can't replace your car.