Ohio Chrysler plant ramping up production of Jeep Cherokee

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Chrysler says its Ohio assembly plant should reach full production of the new Jeep Cherokee by September.

The automaker says the Cherokee began rolling off the line almost a month ago at its Toledo plant. It expects the new models to be in showrooms this September.

Chrysler has high hopes for the Cherokee. Executives think it could be Jeep’s top-selling model and become the star of its European auto market.

Chrysler hired about 1,100 new workers for the plant that also makes the Jeep Wrangler.

It also spent $500 million to renovate the assembly complex and add new technology.