The constructor Stellantis just announced that it will eliminate a shift at its Michigan plant. It will be remembered that Stellantis had added a 3rd shift last January. This cut will have the effect of slowing down production, a decision deemed necessary due to the shortage of microchips.
In fact, sales of Wagoneer and Great Wagoneer did not reach their target. The manufacturer has sold 30,276 Wagoneers and 9,454 Grand Wagoneers in the United States since the start of the year; this is much less than the 198,762 copies of the 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 that will continue in production until the end of the year. According to Stellantis, no employees will be laid off as a result of these cuts; they will be relocated to other shifts. Some casual workers will see their hours reduced or could lose their jobs.
The plant is also preparing to produce the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L 2023, elongated versions of the regular model. The L liveries offer a greater length of 305 mm (12 inches), which mainly translates into more space on board. The vehicle should be offered as a 2023 model by the end of the year.
Conclusion
Manufacturers continue to be hit with various issues, but even though Stellantis says it wants to increase production efficiency by reducing the model’s production, it’s a safe bet that sales won’t live up to expectations either. of the manufacturer.
