Six months after launching the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the plant is adding 1,100 employees and a second shift as it prepares for the rollout of the 2011 Dodge Durango. It is one of the last in an urban setting and was upgraded as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) to accommodate the much larger Durango.
Besides offering a less angular look, the chunky-looking new Durango will also offer seating capacity for seven passengers, something that is not available on the Grand Cherokee. Buyers will be offered the choice of two engines, a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. When it comes to towing, the V6 will have a capability of tugging along 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) and the V8 will manage up to 7,400 lbs (3,256 kg). Air bags and electronic stability control come as standard on the Durango.
Every vehicle is put through rigorous testing before leaving the plant. In the BSR station, where the Durango is shaken vigorously to detect any squeaks or rattles. The company had to make the posts that pick up the vehicle longer and wider, thereby increasing space for the Durango while not impacting testing for the Grand Cherokee.
The 2011 Dodge Durango Express model starts at $29,195 (€21,861) for the rear-wheel-drive and $31,195 (€23,360) for the all-wheel drive, plus an $850 (€636) destination charge.
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