Chrysler Group is boosting its labor force in Detroit this year when preparing for the manufacturing of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, reports Automotive News. A 3rd shift of 1,100 will help make it the very first diesel offering in the Grand Cherokee line for North The United States since 2008. Source for this article: Chrysler to add workers for 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel production

Over a thousand brand new hires

At the Jefferson North assembly plant, 1,000 employees can expect to get new jobs with a brand new 3rd shift starting for the Chrysler Group. This will, as reported by Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, make it possible for Chrysler to continue in innovation and to meet all creation goals for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“Detroit long has been home to renowned innovators and craftsmen,” Marchionne said. “So it is in the Motor City, home of our industrial heritage and a resilient people, that we are entrusting the manufacture not only of the ultimate American sports car, the SRT Viper, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee - the most awarded SUV ever - but also a diesel version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee for North American markets.”

Grand Cherokee sales were up 51 percent in the U.S. last year to 127,744 units, while the Durango tallied a respectable 51,697 models sold in its first full year back on the United States auto market. The forthcoming diesel version of the Grand Cherokee will apparently deliver both greater torque and increased fuel efficiency in a clean-burning diesel engine. It will produce 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the base model, a V6 turbo diesel. While gas mileage is not known yet, a lower-powered European version achieved the equivalent of 28.3 mpg in the States

Maserati added

Previously known as a facility where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are assembled, the Jefferson North plant will soon also be responsible for portions of the 2013 Maserati Kubang. This SUV will be making its North American debut for Fiat S.p.A., the company that controls Chrysler.

2013 Maserati Kubang leaked photos

Sources

Automotive News

Green Car Reports

USA Today