Manufacturing Economy

At least with one nameplate, Ford is actively pursuing what has become a somewhat forgotten demographic cohort for auto makers: Generation X.

New research shows that the Ford Explorer Sport—with stickers starting at about $45,000 versus the low $30,000s for a standard version of the vehicle—has the highest percentage of Gen X buyers of any non-luxury SUV in the United States, reflecting what the company calls a generational preference “for exclusivity and performance at a great value.”

Jeep’s marketing folks will tell you all about the awards won by the brand. Top four-by-four of this, best sport utility vehicle of that.

But nice as they are, Jeep’s accolades go far deeper than a trophy from some magazine.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said today it plans to spend $1 billion to retool its plants in Toledo, Ohio, and Belvidere, Ill., and create 1,000 new jobs as it shuffles its North American production footprint.

FCA said it will invest $700 million at its Toledo Assembly North Plant to prepare for the next-generation Jeep Wrangler and expand the production capacity of the SUV. The automaker said it plans to add about 700 jobs at that plant.

CHELSEA, Mich. -- Jeep's Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer luxury SUVs due after 2019 will be upscale vehicles that will push the premium boundaries of the brand, says Jeep brand head Mike Manley.

The two nameplates will be luxury vehicles, with the Grand Wagoneer an upscale version of the Wagoneer. Both vehicles will share a platform with the next-generation Grand Cherokee.