Manufacturing

FCA plans to spend $23 million to build a customization plant in Toledo

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 will be built just down the road from the new plant.

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

As first reported in the Toledo Blade, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) wants to spend $23 million to build a new facility in Toledo, Ohio near where the company currently produces the Jeep Wrangler. The site is the location of the former Textileather and MedCorp properties. The price of the property? $1.

Details of the deal are still being worked out. Among them is a debate in Toledo City Council over the city's intent to use tax increment financing (TIF) for the property prior to the sale. Typically, these types of agreements allow cities to divert future tax revenue from a site toward a project that is in the public's interest such as an economic development or public improvement project.

Jeep Gladiator Top Dog ConceptJeep owners frequently customize their vehicles. The new Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept showed off some of those possible mods last year. Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Council is scheduled to take up the issue on January 5 during their regular meeting. If the agenda item passes, the TIF will be in place for 30 years. The City is expected to use the money to recoup the $6.8 million they have put into the site.

The $23 million commitment to the over 40-acre site includes the construction of a building that is between 150,000 and 250,000 square feet. This building will be used as a vehicle customization facility, according to an agreement reached between the City of Toldeo and FCA.

That agreement also specified that the facility will employ approximately 300 workers with an estimated payroll of $12 million, however market conditions and technological advancements may change those numbers.

FCA and the City have agreed to a four-year signature-to-occupancy timeline. Should the building not be completed and permitted for occupancy by that point, a 12-month extensions can be granted. After that, should the condition continue, the City has the option to purchase the property back from FCA for $1.

As part of the agreement, two streets will be given up, Twining Street and Medcorp Drive. A parking lot will be constructed on the site.

Additional infrastructure improvements are likely and will be paid for by FCA and the City, as laid out in the contract.

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Family-friendly three-row SUVs

Three of our favorite three-row SUVs for 2022

The Grand Cherokee L is available with two different powertrain choices.

Jeep

There are more three-row SUVs on sale than ever before, so it can be tough to make a choice between them. You need to balance space, performance, safety, and tech to make your decision, and doing your homework is important. To help you get started down the right path, we've selected three of our favorite three-row family haulers. These are SUVs that bring the latest features and excellent design features to help keep you and your family rolling. Let's get started.

2023 Toyota SequoiaThe Sequoia is all-new for the 2023 model year, and finally stands on level ground with its rivals.Toyota

Toyota Sequoia

Toyota gave the Sequoia a much-needed overhaul for the 2023 model year that brought it up to speed with its competitors. The thirsty V8 and outdated styling are gone, and in their place, Toyota installed a twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid system that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. A ten-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive are available.

The Sequoia’s update brought a new infotainment system with a much more intuitive, fluid interface. It runs on a standard 8-inch or an optional 14-inch touchscreen. Toyota’s new software offers voice controls, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and much more.

Inside, the Sequioa’s interior feels much more upscale and modern than before, and there’s plenty of room for the entire family and all their gear across its three spacious rows. Starting with the Limited trim, Toyota gives luxurious standard features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, a hands-free liftgate, and a heated steering wheel.

2023 Kia TellurideKia updated the ultra-popular Telluride for 2023 with refreshed styling and features.Kia

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is easily one of the best family vehicles from the last ten years, and it offers great value on top of its functional characteristics. Kia updated the SUV for 2022 with a new 10.25-inch infotainment system and a highway driving assistance system.

The Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The SUV’s engine may not be the most powerful or thrilling, but it gets the job done and offers refined, smooth operation.

Kia equips the base Telluride with seating for eight, but the optional second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to seven. Interior fit and finish, materials, and styling are all far more upscale than the Telluride’s price tag would suggest, making the SUV an excellent family companion for longer road trips.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee LThe Grand Cherokee got a third row for the first time with the new L.Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep completely overhauled the Grand Cherokee for 2021 and added a new three-row “L” model shortly after. The new Grand Cherokee L features boxy, muscular styling that works with its stretched profile. Even with a new shape, the SUV is immediately recognizable as a Grand Cherokee.

Jeep offers two engines in the 2022 Grand Cherokee L. The base mill is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available that produces 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the V8 comes standard with four-wheel drive.

The L is more premium inside than most likely expect from a Jeep, but at the top end of the model line it’s deep into luxury territory, both on price and design. The Jeep is just shy of its competitors on interior space, but there’s still plenty of room for up to seven people. Top trims get luxury finishes like leather and woodgrain, and available tech like a rear-seat entertainment system helps keep everyone happy for the long haul.

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