Stellantis Raises Belvidere Plant Investment to $800 Million for Next-Generation Jeep Cherokee

Stellantis announced on August 14 that it plans to invest more than $800 million in the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois to prepare it for production of the next-generation Jeep Cherokee, up from the $600 million announced last October.

First U.S. vehicle on STLA One

The new Cherokee will be the first U.S. vehicle assembled on Stellantis’ new STLA One platform, a flexible, modular design intended to improve manufacturing efficiency and simplify vehicle development. Belvidere will be the launch site for the platform.

Work already underway

Stellantis said more than $60 million had been spent through July to prepare the idled plant, including projects across stamping, body, paint and general assembly.

New timeline

Pilot production is expected to start in the first half of 2028, with retail production in the second half of 2029, later than the previously announced 2027 start.

Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO and North America COO said:

“Launching the next-generation Cherokee on STLA One allows us to deliver a more competitive product while leveraging the strength of our U.S. manufacturing operations. Selecting the right product architecture, timing and execution path supports our growth strategy and creates the best long-term outcome and stability for our employees, customers and stakeholders.”