Chrysler's Toledo Factoy Builds Millionth JK Chassis Jeep Wrangler

Chrysler's factory in Toledo, Ohio, has built its million JK chassis Jeep Wrangler, which began production in 2007. The car was a black 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition that will go to a customer in Sarasota, Florida. 

“Every Jeep Wrangler sold to customers around the world is born in Toledo, Ohio. Since this facility opened eight years ago, the Toledo workforce has built every one of those million vehicles with pride, passion and a focus on quality. We all look forward to building the next million," said Mauro Pino, Chrysler Vice President for Vehicle Assembly.

The Rubicon 10th Anniversary Editions are meant to be Jeep's best factory-made off-roader ever. The special-order trucks come with upgraded axles, a low-ratio gearing for easy crawling and upgraded differentials.

While several factories have been built on the campus since the first factory was built there in 1910, Jeeps have been built in Toledo since 1941. 

In a few months, the new Jeep Cherokee will begin production on the Toledo production campus. 

Via autoviva.com

Jeep Cherokee Will Likely Begin Production in China in 2014

The new Cherokee will be a truly global car by the time its roll out is complete.

Production will start in the United States in the next few weeks and begin in Europe in the third quarter of the year. Exports of the Cherokee from Europe to China will begin in the fourth quart of the year. In 2014, the new Cherokee will likely be the first Jeep in six years to be built in China.

Jeep sales are booming in China, and it is the company's second-largest market behind the US. It doubled sales last year to 46,000 cars, and Jeep believes the smaller, cheaper Cherokee will boost sales even more. It will replace the Jeep Compass in China, which was responsible for 71% of Jeep sales last year.

If Chrysler builds the Cherokee in China, it will also be able to avoid China's 25% minimum import tariffs on cars.

"SUVs are considered a status symbol of what you've achieved so far in your life," said Jeep CEO Mike Manley.

Source: Automotive News Europe via autoviva.com

Fiat Will Build Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs at Mirafiori

Fiat says that it will build Maserati's new SUVs at its Mirafiori factory near Turin. The Maserati SUV, which had previously been called the Kubang is known as the Levante and is slated to debut in 2014. It will share a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Alfa Romeo will follow suit in 2015 with a Jeep-based SUV. The Mirafiori factory will also build Jeep SUVs. The reason for building all of these trucks in Italy is to keep the factory running at capacity. It is currently running just a few days a week. Jeep is rapidly becoming one of the most profitable brands in Fiat's portfolio, and it plans to take advantage of the platforms from the brand. "I've made a commitment. We are not closing Mirafiori. We will make luxury cars for both Maserati and for Alfa Romeo," said Marchionne. The luxury SUVs will be exported to North America, Russia and Asia to feed the areas with the highest demand. Marchionne wants to use US Chrysler dealers to sell the cars. Source: Automotive News Europe via autoviva.com