Manufacturers continue to be hit by various problems, but, even if Stellantis mentions wanting to increase production efficiency by reducing production of the model, it is a safe bet that sales are also not up to the expectations of the manufacturer.
The manufacturer Stellantis has just announced that it will eliminate a shift at its Michigan plant. It will be recalled that Stellantis had added a 3rd shift last January. This cut will have the effect of slowing production, a decision deemed necessary due to the shortage of microchips.
In fact, sales of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer did not reach their target. The manufacturer has sold 30,276 Wagoneers and 9,454 Grand Wagoneers in the United States since the beginning of the year; that’s far less than GMC’s 198,762 GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade sold by GM. During this period, Ford sold 50 757 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators.
The Warren, Michigan plant, which employs 5,500 people, specializes in the assembly of pickup trucks and large SUVs. The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are built there, as is the Ram 1500 Classic, the older generation of the model whose production will continue until the end of the year. According to Stellantis, no employees will be laid off because of these cuts; They will be relocated to other shifts. Some casual workers will have their hours reduced or may lose their jobs.
The plant is also preparing to produce the 2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L, stretched versions of the regular model. The L liveries offer a longer length of 305 mm (12 inches), which mainly translates into more space on board. The vehicle is expected to be offered as a 2023 model by the end of the year.
