FCA Expands Idled Manufacturing Plant to Build Jeep Engines
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is known for its commitment to the communities that make up its workforce, so it comes as no surprise that the automaker announced it is investing $400 million to repurpose an idled transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana. The plant will be responsible for manufacturing the company’s 2.0-liter Global Medium Engine inline four-cylinder (GMET 4) turbo that’s currently powering the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee models. With this $400 million investment, FCA will retain not only 1,000 jobs, but also add nearly 200 new jobs that support production. FCA’s total employment in the state of Indiana exceeds more than 8,300 employees.
Mark Stewart, FCA’s North America Chief Operating Officer, along with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, along with members of the UAW and other local officials joined together to celebrate the news at the plant. Once the investment is complete, the plant will be renamed Kokomo Engine Plant. Stewart explained the importance of this particular engine and the company’s powertrain strategy for the near future.
“The GMET4 will be a very important engine for us as we look to deliver on the promises we made as part of our five-year plan in 2018. While the 2.0-liter is a current engine option on the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee models, a significant number of new technologies can be applied to this engine, making it relevant for the future. It will play an important role in our plans to offer electric engine options across 30 nameplates that FCA will bring to markets around the world by 2022,” Steward said.
The Kokomo Engine Plant will absorb production of the engine that’s currently built in Termoli, Italy. Production is slated to begin during the second quarter of 2021. Stewart also expressed his gratitude to the state of Indiana and the city of Kokomo for working along with FCA to finalize its investment plans. “I’d like to add my appreciation to both Governor Holcomb and Mayor Moore for seeing the opportunities that exist with this investment and helping give this facility new life,” Stewart added.
FCA has been building transmissions in Indiana for more than eight decades — more than 90 million in fact since record keeping began in 1974. The automaker has invested nearly $2 billion in its four area plants since 2009, all while building some of the most fuel-efficient transmissions on the market. Once production of the GMET4 kicks off, it’ll be the first time in the automaker’s history that it has built engines in the state.
Stewart was clear when he explained the company’s decision to invest in Indiana and transform the plant into the Kokomo Engine Plant, citing the level of commitment shown by the men and women who work in the region as the company’s guiding force. Since 2009, FCA has not only invested more than $14 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations, it’s also created nearly 30,000 jobs and counting. “As engine technology continues to change, our focus must continue to be on our most valuable asset — our people. This engine program will bring new job opportunities for our current workforce, as well as the manufacturing workforce of the future. Our employees — some of whom are second-, third- or even fourth-generation FCA employees — have always demonstrated a passion to help deliver great products for our customers,” added Stewart.
With the GMET4 engine under its hood, the Jeep Cherokee not only delivers impressive off-road performance, but it also shines with its fuel economy of over 30 mpg on the highway. Don’t just take our word for it, visit us at Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and check out the 2020 Jeep Cherokee model for yourself. With over five trim levels and various special editions, we’re sure you’ll find a Jeep Cherokee to suit your needs. Schedule your test drive today! Follow Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on social media for the latest Jeep news.
Photo Source/Copyright: Youtube/FCA