Chrysler Group LLC Celebrates Production Launch of All-New 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee
Chrysler Group LLC celebrated the launch of production of the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee at an event on May 21 at the Jefferson North (Detroit) Assembly Plant (JNAP). Chrysler Group also announced that it will add a second shift of production with 1,080 employees.
“The production launch of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee signals the rebirth of the Chrysler Group,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group LLC CEO. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a signature vehicle for Chrysler. It represents the best of this Company, the direction we’re moving toward producing high quality, technologically advanced vehicles. We are confident the Grand Cherokee will receive the proper recognition for what it stands for when it hits the road this summer.”
Marchionne, along with Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI -13th District), Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Vice President and Director of the UAW Chrysler Department General Holiefield, other members of the Michigan delegation and local officials joined employees in recognizing the importance of the plant, the workforce and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee in the future success of the Company.The nearly 3-million-square-foot assembly plant, located in Detroit, has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992. In fact, Chrysler Group is the only automotive manufacturer with more than one manufacturing facility in the city of Detroit.
In front of more than 1,400 current UAW-represented JNAP employees and further demonstrating the Company’s commitment to its largest assembly plant in Detroit, Marchionne also announced that Chrysler Group would add a second shift of production at JNAP, beginning July 19. A total of 1,080 employees will staff the second shift with nearly all new hires.
The All-New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nearly two decades after Jeep invented the premium sport-utility vehicle segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep will deliver an all-new Grand Cherokee that balances legendary Jeep capability with improved, sophisticated on-road dynamics that deliver a premium driving experience.
“With the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee, Jeep has created the benchmark, premium SUV,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand. “Unique innovations such as our new Quadra-Lift™ air suspension and Selec-Terrain™ traction control systems separate Jeep from the crowd and take the Grand Cherokee to the next level of 4x4 capability.”
Capability highlights include a choice of three 4x4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain systems, and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. On-road dynamics are improved courtesy of new independent front and rear suspension systems and a new body structure that dramatically increases torsional stiffness for reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels.
The design of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts an all-new sculpted body and athletic profile that define a sleek exterior and aerodynamic finesse. CommandView®—a new dual-pane panoramic sun roof—extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. A world-class interior design is highlighted by premium soft-touch interior materials for all models. The interior provides consumers with more than four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room, and 17 percent more cargo volume.
Chrysler Group’s all-new 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine boasts an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, delivering up to 23 mpg and over 500 miles on one tank of gas. The all-new flexible-fuel engine is standard on the Grand Cherokee, and features Variable-Valve Timing (VVT), double overhead camshafts and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.
More than 45 safety and security features are available in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including standard Active Head Restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-Start Assist, and Trailer-Sway Control. A Blind-Spot/Rear Cross-Path detection system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning are available.
Numerous advanced technology features are offered, including live mobile TV (FLO TV™), SIRIUS Backseat TV and UConnect™ Web, which transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle. The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland.
