FCA Ends Chrysler 200 Production to Make Room for New Ram 1500
Declining sales are thought to be the reason for the 200’s untimely demise
Out with the old and in with the new.
That’s Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ plan for the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. The company has officially ended production of the Chrysler 200 at that location and has begun retooling the facility so the new-generation Ram 1500 can be manufactured there.
Best Buys: Investing in a used vehicle could save you more money than you think
Many of the plant’s 1,700 workers will be laid off temporarily while the transition from sedan to truck manufacturing takes place. However, this transformation is expected to add approximately 700 new jobs to the plant once the transition process is completed.
This move is part of a $1.48 billion investment that FCA is making in the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. Besides retooling the facility, a new test track will be added and the paint shop will also undergo restoration.
FCA officials hinted previously that production for both the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 could come to a close this year if they failed to come up with a partner to produce these vehicles, which the company reportedly could not find. The reasons for these models being discontinued are due to declining sales for both cars. This could be the result of growing consumer demand for larger crossovers vehicles and SUVs.
FCA has responded to this industry trend by bringing its top-selling Ram trucks to Sterling Heights for assembly. The Warren Truck Assembly Plant is currently producing these pickups, but that facility will also be renovated in the not too distant future. This will be done so it can focus on producing the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
There is no scheduled release date for the new-generation Ram 1500, but Motor Trend has reported this could happen in early 2018.
Did You Know? A self-driving Chrysler minivan was recently spotted on the West Coast
Gallery: 2017 Chrysler 200 Photos
News Sources: The Detroit News via Motor Trend
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.