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FCA to idle Belvidere Jeep plant again for a week in February

Bloomberg reports that Fiat Chrysler will shut down the Belvidere, Ill., plant that assembles the Jeep Cherokee for a week this month, starting February 17. FCA has been tweaking the plant's headcount and production schedule for a while now, usually downward. The automaker laid off 1,371 workers last February and fired 32 more in May, the same month it eliminated the third production shift. In August, the automaker shut down the plant for one week, then did so again for two weeks last month. As in August and January, FCA explained this month's idling by saying it needs to get production in alignment with demand. Cherokee sales declined 20% in the U.S. last year, helping to account for Jeep's overall 5% domestic drop in 2019. On top of the shutdown, FCA is offering buyouts to certain plant workers among the 3,600 hourly and 300 salaried personnel. The choices are either taking a "separation package" that comes with a $60,000 lump sum payment, or accepting voluntary termination that pays a lump sum based on seniority. Employees that choose a buyout can't return to Chrysler, becoming no longer "eligible for recall, rehire or reemployment." Belvidere personnel have until March 11 to make their decisions. Bloomberg says the aim is to reduce the number of workers with more seniority and higher pay grades; a company spokesperson said the move would "create opportunities for those employees still on layoff," who were lesser-paid. Around 900 of those laid-off workers remain on standby for reassignment to another plant. Analysts predict a soft year for car sales, so FCA might not be the only automaker pruning the rolls. Early estimates have come in below 17 million, and if that comes true, 2020 will be the slowest year since 2014, when 16,531,070 units left lots. The new contract between FCA and the UAW made provisions for Belvidere, which has tempered talk of a total shutdown.The automaker will invest $55 million for "fresh models/features off of the current (KL) platform" that underpins the Cherokee as well as the Chinese-market Jeep Grand Commander (it was previously used for the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200). Outside of that, some observers think the carmaker could be planning a three-row Chrysler crossover based on the KL platform, akin to the Grand Commander, for the United States. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Everything we know about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is perhaps the most highly anticipated SUV in America. The next-gen Wrangler is expected to get a host of updates that include new front and rear end designs, as well as an all-new pickup truck variant. Here's everything we know about the next version of Jeep's iconic SUV. November 7, 2016: JL Wrangler Forums released renderings of the 2018 Wrangler, and the SUV will generally stay the course. Compared with the current Wrangler, the new one will likely have slightly more aerodynamic bodywork and LED lighting, and the truck version's bed will carry traditional Wrangler design cues. The renderings also visualize what a Wrangler without a fully removable top could be like. The loss of the removable top is currently a rumor, and FCA's well-camouflaged prototypes have not given up the secrets of the roof. View 6 Photos October 18, 2016: Images of the upcoming Wrangler JL from a supposed Jeep dealer meeting surface, revealing the SUV's updated front and rear end design. The renderings point towards the next-gen Wrangler maintaining a seven-slot grille and round headlights. The SUV, though, will obtain LED light bars on the front fenders, while the taillights get a similar design to the units found on the Renegade crossover. Overall, the renderings display a smoother shape than ever before. September 16, 2016: A report from JL Wrangler Forums indicates that the next-gen Wrangler JL would utilize aluminum on the hood, as well as on the front and rear doors. The report claims the Wrangler will get its aluminum from supplier Alcoa, in the form of the company's C6A1 high form alloy, 6022 alloy sheet, and A951, which is the company's sheet bonding technology. View 30 Photos July 20, 2016: The first images of the Wrangler pickup truck hit the web. The pickup truck appears to be riding on a long-wheelbase Wrangler and flaunts a decently sized bed. From the overhead photos, we can see that the pickup truck will have a seven-slot grille, large rear taillights that mimic ones found on Ram's trucks, and be about the same size as a Chevrolet Suburban. Oh yes, the Wrangler pickup truck does exist and it's coming. July 10, 2016: A report from Automotive News claims that the Wrangler JL will continue to have its iconic, boxy shape, but changes have been made to ensure that the SUV is better off in terms of fuel economy. What Jeep has done to improve the next-gen Wrangler's fuel efficiency, though, is still a mystery.

FCA recalls 210,000 new Jeeps and Dodges due to a brake issue

FCA is recalling some 210,000 vehicles in the U.S. and elsewhere over a possible braking issue. On this occasion, the recall is made less complicated by the fact that about one-third of the affected vehicles are so new, they still reside on dealer lots, making them easy to tally up and put right. The recall concerns 2018 Dodge Journeys, 2019 Jeep Cherokees and 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravans and 2018-2019 Jeep Compasses. Most were built in spring 2018, and the recall is related to a brake system component that failed to meet FCA specifications. Further information available on the NHTSA website details the issue, saying that insufficiently coated rear brake caliper pistons may cause gas pockets to form in the brake fluid of very new vehicles. This in turn can reduce rear brake performance — bubbles in brake lines are not desirable. FCA underlines that the brakes still function, but stopping distance can be affected. As a remedy, the brake systems are inspected and re-bled. The recall is slated to begin on Sept. 28. In addition to 154,337 vehicles in the United States, the recall concerns 19,066 units in Canada, some 900 in Mexico and some 35,500 vehicles on other markets. Related Video: Image Credit: AOL Recalls Dodge Jeep Minivan/Van SUV FCA