Chrysler looking to add third shift for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee production

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is turning out to be a very hot seller for Chrysler Group LLC. Dealer orders for the redesigned Grand Cherokee are exceeding expectations so much that Chrysler is looking to add a third production shift at the plant where it is built.

“Orders continue being much higher than initial expectations, and we are considering adding a third shift soon,” a person familiar with the matter said.

Chrysler started building the 2011 Grand Cherokee in May and with the addition of the second shift, is scheduled to build 136,000 Grand Cherokees this year, up from 60,640 last year. The second shift hired 1,080 workers and began July 19.

The Auburn Hills automaker sold 50,328 Grand Cherokees in the United States in 2009, down 32 percent from the previous year. Sales of the model peaked in 1999 at 300,031.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Refresher: The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will go on sale next month and will be available 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×2 model starts at $30,995, while the 4×4 Grand Cherokee Laredo model starts at $32,995. Prices for the 2011 Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4 start at $39,995, while the Overland 4×4 model start at $42,995. All models will be powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 unit making 290-hp delivering up to 23 mpg and over 500 miles on one tank of gas. Optional features include a 360-hp 5.7L V8 and a Trailer Tow Group.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)