Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and United Auto Workers have moved to the final ratification of their new union agreement following weeks of protests that have affected production in the assembly plants. The new contract includes $9 billion worth of future product investments, $7.8 billion of which will be allotted to the assembly division. It also provides information on what consumers can expect from FCA’s American plants in the coming years.
Part of the latest contract between FCA and UAW is a $3-billion investment in the Jefferson Assembly Plant, which is reportedly increasing its workforce by 1,100 people. The factory is set to work on a mild-hybrid version of the Durango next year. It will also begin production of the next-gen Grand Cherokee that will include a plug-in hybrid variant in 2021.
Also getting a huge budget is the Warren Truck Assembly Plant at $2.8 billion, where the next Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, including their PHEV variants, will be built in 2021. The same assembly plant will also continue its work on the Ram 1500 and could grow its workforce by 1,500 people.
FCA is also investing $1.5 billion into the Detroit 2 Assembly Plant, which is set to get a new, yet-to-be-named three-row SUV to be positioned below the Wagoneer next year. The Detroit 2 factory is also slated to build the new Grand Cherokee in 2021, along with its PHEV variant. The site could potentially expand its workforce by 3,850 people.
The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, meanwhile, gets $210 million and will be working on the Ram 1500 TRX in 2020 with an additional 200 people to the team.
With a $160 million investment, the Toledo North Assembly Plant will welcome 100 new workers and continue building the Wrangler and its new PHEV model next year. The factory is also part of the complex that will receive $120 million of funding for the manufacture of the Gladiator.
Finally, the Belvidere Assembly Plant is getting a $55 million investment to work on new safety features for the current generation of the Jeep Cherokee.
A final vote is still needed to formalize these investments, but the contract is already as good as signed once it gets to the rank-and-file.
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