High Demand Means No Summer Shutdown at Jeep Grand Cherokee Plant

NATICK, MASS. (05/08/2012)(readMedia)-- While other businesses slow down in productivity this July due to the usual summer lull, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit will be churning out new models at full throttle. With sales of the SUV up 37 percent year-over-year at Jeep dealerships through April, Chrysler recently announced that it will forgo the usual two-week shutdown of the factory in early July in order to meet growing demand.

The Big Three automakers typically use a two-week period starting around July 4 to stop or slow production, take stock of their inventories and install new manufacturing equipment for the next model year. Chrysler's decision to instead increase production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is welcome news for both current and future Jefferson North employees, and the automaker also announced that it will move up its plans to add a third shift of workers to the plant to this November instead of next year.

"The Grand Cherokee is one of the few vehicles that can do anything you ask of it, which is good news for both buyers and the workers that rely on its demand," said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealer. "Unlike most SUVs, you get a comfortable, car-like ride, but you can also get a full range of capability, with available four-wheel drive and a large towing capacity for transporting those big weekend toys."

Currently, the Jefferson North assembly plant employs roughly 2,900 workers to manufacture the Grand Cherokee during two shifts, and is running overtime on two out of every three Saturdays to keep up with demand. Chrysler will be hiring about 1,100 more employees to make up the upcoming third shift.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee sold 2,032 more units last month than it did in April 2011, a 21-percent increase and the vehicle's best April sales in seven years. The SUV helped the Jeep brand post a 19-percent April sales increase year-over-year, resulting in its highest April sales in five years. Last month was the 24th month in a row that Jeep saw a year-over-year sales increase.

Equipped with its standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque while still returning 23 mpg on the highway. For drivers who need increased capability, a 5.7-liter V8 option offers 360 horsepower and a 7,400-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. Choosing the range-topping 6.4-liter HEMI V8 will give buyers 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.

"The Jeep Grand Cherokee is completely customizable to suit your lifestyle," added Gill. "If you're someone who travels with a trailer every weekend, one of the V8 options might be for you. If your idea of adventure is getting to the middle school pick-up line no matter the weather, the Grand Cherokee's V6 will get you there on less gas."

About Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

Family-owned Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has been helping Metro West drivers find new and used Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles for the past 45 years. They also provide expert auto service and OEM Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep parts, all backed up by their friendly, professional staff. Check out their wide selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at www.brighamgillmotorcars.com, or stop by their dealership, located at 817 Worcester Road (Route 9) in Natick, Massachusetts. You can reach them by phone at 877-881-6196 or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brighamgill to get the latest Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Dodge news.