$500 million investment for Jeep plant

November 2011

Changes are continuing under Chrysler Group chief executive officer Sergio Marcionne, with a large investment announced for the future development of Jeep cars.

$500 million has been allocated to build the first Fiat-based Jeep Liberty - dubbed the Jeep Cherokee for the Australian market - at the marque's US production facility in Toledo, Ohio.

Speaking at the plant, Mr Marcionne stated that nearly 80,000 square-metres of floor space would be added, creating a new body shop, quality lab, trim and chassis final and paint shop as well as a metrology centre.

"This plant has been chosen to build the future Jeep SUV to replace the current Jeep Liberty that will be exported to markets all over the world," the CEO said.

Mr Marcionne also announced that there was a chance for expanding production of the Jeep Wrangler if its sales increase overseas.

Sales for the marque in Australia has also contributing to the turnaround - Jeep sales have tripled in several months across 2011 compared to the previous year.

The Chrysler Group plans to sell 2.8 million Jeep cars worldwide in 2014.