Belvidere Assembly Plant Continues Its Shutdown For The Rest Of The Week!
Production Will Resume March 21st...
Stellantis’ Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois has been idled once again, due to the global semiconductor shortage. The 5 million-square-foot facility about 70 miles northwest of Chicago, has continued to be the hardest hit Stellantis plant in North America during the semiconductor crisis.
The facility has been producing the midsized Jeep® Cherokee (KL) as its sole product since June 1st, 2017. Before the Cherokee, the plant produced a trio of small vehicles consisting of the Jeep Patriot (MK74), Jeep Compass (MK49), and Dodge Dart (PF). Since the introduction of the globally-marketed second-generation Compass (MP), sales of the Cherokee have dropped dramatically globally. The plant went from a two-shift operating pattern in 2019 to just one in July 2021.
“Stellantis continues to work closely with our suppliers to mitigate the manufacturing impacts caused by the various supply chain issues facing our industry,” a Stellantis spokeswoman stated in a press release.
The shutdown marks the second time in two weeks that the Illinois plant has been idled. A letter was posted earlier today, stating that workers would return to work on Monday, March 21st, 2022.
The 2022 Jeep Cherokee lineup was recently announced by Stellantis. Among the changes for the 2022 model year is the new Cherokee X model. The Cherokee X trim pairs rugged off-road Jeep brand styling cues with a distinguishable on-road front fascia and new graphics for a unique exterior appearance. Also includes upgraded cloth/vinyl seats with unique inserts, a 1-inch suspension lift, and a standard 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine at a desirable price point.
