However, they say that they kept the assembly lines running longer than planned to meet consumer demand. There had been rumors and strong expectations around the industry that the Cherokee would remain in production for at least a while along with the Liberty. However, it could be that the just-announced termination was the result of recent management shakeups at Chrysler Group. The investment will include both a building expansion and the installation of significant new equipment, such as additional conveyors and production machinery. This expenditure is aimed at increasing the plant's flexibility, in terms of being able to vary production volume and add new models, as well as getting it up to a full two-shift operating schedule as quickly a possible.
Flexibility is a very important part of the plan.
DaimlerChrysler wants to be able to react quickly to changing market conditions and demands. Eventually, they want the plant to be able to build two different types of vehicles, as well as develop prototypes for a third. Employees from the Cherokee assembly line are transitioning to the Liberty operation. About 500 workers already have been trained and are at work in the Toledo North plant, with many more to be added by the time the Liberty goes into production in the spring. Sometime after that happens Cherokee production will cease.