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.