Jeep Grand Cherokees: Australian-Made Or Imported?

where are australian jeep grand cherokees made

Jeep Grand Cherokees sold in Australia have been manufactured in various locations around the world. The 2-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is made at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, where it has been assembled since 1992. However, previous models were manufactured in different countries, including Austria, Venezuela, and Egypt. European Grand Cherokees were previously assembled in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr until 2010. With the end of global right-hand drive production, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been discontinued in Australia, despite the brand's commitment to the Australian market.

Characteristics Values
Manufacturing location Detroit, Michigan
Assembly plant Jefferson North Assembly Plant
Assembly location North Jefferson Avenue, Detroit
Manufacturer Stellantis North America (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Previous manufacturing locations Austria, Venezuela, Egypt

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Jeep Grand Cherokee discontinued in Australia

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been discontinued in Australia, marking the end of its 30-year presence in the country. Stellantis Australia, the factory distributor of Jeep vehicles in the country, has confirmed the decision to pause the availability of the current model. This decision comes in the wake of a significant sales decline, with deliveries dropping by 96% in a decade. In 2024, just 645 five- and seven-seat Grand Cherokees were sold locally, a stark contrast to the 30,408 vehicles sold in 2014.

The end of global right-hand-drive production, including for the Australian market, is a key factor in this discontinuation. Engineering these variants for smaller markets has become financially unsustainable, with Australia representing less than 1% of global Jeep sales. The high production costs of right-hand-drive models, such as the Grand Cherokee, have led Stellantis to cease their production to cut costs.

The shift towards electrification in the automotive industry has also played a role. Stellantis' commitment to EVs and sustainability is evident in their plans to invest €30 billion in electrification by 2025. The Grand Cherokee's internal combustion engine platform does not align with this strategic direction.

Despite the discontinuation of the Grand Cherokee, Stellantis remains committed to the Australian market. The company intends to focus on placing the right products in the right segments to meet local market dynamics and customer preferences. The Jeep Wagoneer S electric large SUV is expected to replace the Grand Cherokee in right-hand drive markets, with a version featuring a right-hand drive under development.

The Grand Cherokee's departure leaves a gap in Jeep's lineup in Australia, particularly for buyers seeking a blend of luxury and off-road capability. However, the company's commitment to electrification and sustainability suggests that they are not retreating but recalibrating their strategy. As the industry pivots towards more sustainable options, Australian consumers can anticipate the arrival of electric vehicles like the Recon or Wagoneer S, offering new opportunities for exploration and adventure.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee manufactured in Detroit, Michigan

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is manufactured in Detroit, Michigan. The Grand Cherokee made its debut at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle driven was a 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo with a quartz cloth interior and high-back bucket seats.

The Grand Cherokee has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit since 1992. The Jefferson Plant was opened in 1991, and the first vehicle it ever manufactured was the Grand Cherokee, which it continues to produce today. The 2-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently being manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, while the 3-row Grand Cherokee L is assembled at the Mack Avenue Assembly Complex, which is also in Detroit, Michigan.

The Grand Cherokee is typically shipped across the border by rail. Initially, from 1992 to 2010, Grand Cherokees manufactured for the European market were assembled in Graz, Austria, by a company called Magna Steyr. Now, all Grand Cherokees are assembled in America and exported to the U.K. and other markets.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a strong American heritage, with the majority of Jeep models assembled by Americans for the American market. However, previous models were manufactured in different parts of the world, including Austria, Venezuela, and Egypt.

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Grand Cherokee L to be assembled at Mack Avenue Assembly Complex

The Grand Cherokee L will be assembled at the Mack Avenue Assembly Complex in Detroit, Michigan. The complex, which is located directly across the street from the Jefferson Complex, had been idle since 2012. However, in 2021, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis North America) made the decision to reopen the plant to assemble the Grand Cherokee L, a new three-row version of the Grand Cherokee.

The Mack Avenue Assembly Complex has deep roots in the community and the infrastructure in place to support production. This, along with its proximity to the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, which had been producing the Grand Cherokee since 1992, made it an ideal location for the assembly of the new Grand Cherokee L.

The Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, has been the primary production site for the Grand Cherokee since its debut in 1992. The Jefferson Plant first opened its doors in 1991, and the Grand Cherokee was the first vehicle it manufactured. Over the years, the Jefferson Plant has become synonymous with the Grand Cherokee, and it continues to be the main production hub for this iconic SUV.

The decision to assemble the Grand Cherokee L at the Mack Avenue Assembly Complex allows for a dedicated production line for this new three-row model, ensuring efficient manufacturing and a smooth transition for this expanded version of the Grand Cherokee. With the Jefferson Plant undergoing retooling, the Mack Avenue Assembly Complex serves as a strategic choice, enabling the seamless continuation of Grand Cherokee production and accommodating the increased demand for this popular SUV.

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European Grand Cherokees made in Austria

Jeep Grand Cherokee has been discontinued in Australia, with the end of global right-hand drive production. However, the Grand Cherokee is still manufactured in various locations around the world, including Austria.

European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr. The plant is located in Graz, Austria, and has been producing the Grand Cherokee since 2011. It is responsible for producing Grand Cherokees sold in Europe and other international markets. The Austrian-made Grand Cherokee offers a 5.7-liter multi-displacement Hemi engine, and the 4.7-liter bent eight engine is also available.

The Graz plant went through an eight-week tooling, equipment, and manufacturing process changeover at the end of 2004 and into 2005. The body shop was completely rebuilt, and 75% of the conveyor line and marriage system was replaced. DaimlerChrysler Management Austria worked closely with Magna Steyr to prepare the facility for the new model.

The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee made its European debut in France, gaining four stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests conducted in 2005.

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Previous models assembled in Venezuela and Egypt

Previous models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were assembled in Venezuela and Egypt. In Venezuela, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was manufactured at the Carabobo Assembly Plant in Valencia. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of these models should contain the characters 8X-82.

The facility in Egypt is part of the Arab American Vehicles Corporation (AAV). This facility makes both versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, including the L variant. The VIN of these models should contain the characters DA-DE. The assembly of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Egypt is a strategic move by Stellantis to expand its Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations. The models assembled in Egypt are powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Frequently asked questions

Jeep Grand Cherokees sold in Australia are made in Detroit, Michigan, at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant. The Jefferson Plant first started manufacturing the Grand Cherokee in 1992.

No, previously, Grand Cherokees for the European market were assembled in Graz, Austria, by Magna Steyr.

Jeep Grand Cherokees are no longer sold in Australia due to a significant sales decline. Deliveries dropped by 96% in a decade, leading Stellantis Australia to pause the availability of the model.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee will be replaced by the Jeep Wagoneer S electric large SUV in right-hand drive markets.

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