‘Literally idiotic,’ rage drivers as Jeep ‘halts Wrangler and Grand Cherokee production’ – fans blame ‘sticker shock’

DRIVERS are speaking out as Jeep’s parent company has confirmed the brand is pausing production of its two most popular cars.

Factory lines in Michigan and Ohio will go silent as Stellantis works through dealership inventory gluts on the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, its two most iconic SUVs .

Getty

Getty

Jeep will temporarily shutter its production facilities on Friday, and it doesn’t have an update on the factory stoppage’s timeline, according to The Wall Street Journal .

The company confirmed the move to the Journal, saying it was working through “production adjustments.” Jeep didn’t immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.

Dealerships have complained to the parent company, as vehicles across the Detroit Big Three car company have overstocked showroom floors.

Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram have some of the longest day-on-lot numbers in the automotive industry.

The company has responded to the inventory glut with price incentives to clear vehicles from its dealers.

“Stellantis continues to take the necessary actions to improve operations in the US market,” the company said in a statement to the Journal.

“The company will continue to monitor the situation to assess whether further action is required.”

Several customers responded to the factory halt, speaking out about the company’s pricing strategy in X posts.

“Price gouging in dealerships came back to bite,” one customer alleged. “Jeeps were $40k over sticker price during the pandemic.”

Other customers chided the decision, pointing out that the production stoppage impacts their most iconic offerings.

“Literally idiotic for Jeep to pause production on the Wrangler, their flagship vehicle,” another driver said.

Jeep charges drivers a $31,895 base price for the two-door Wrangler and at least $35,895 for the four-door option.

The Grand Cherokee starts at $38,290.

BUILD DRAMA

The president of the United Auto Workers – the union representing production workers on Stellantis, GM , and Ford production lines – called out Jeep’s parent company in a major policy speech with millions of listeners.

Dealership Tips

Here are some expert tips when purchasing a car from a dealership lot:

• 1. Set your price: Ensure you’ve calculated your monthly budget before going to the lot. You should include the car’s loan payment, insurance costs, fuel, and regular maintenance.
• 2. Research: Make sure you know which cars you’re interested in test driving before you reach the dealership.
• 3. Pre-approval: Secure financing before you go to the dealership. Dealerships may give you a better interest rate if they are competing with an outside bank.
• 4. Test away: Get behind the wheel before making any payments. A car purchase will be worth thousands of dollars – drivers should ensure they like the drivetrain, steering feel, and comfort of the car before taking it off the lot
• 5. Haggle: Drivers should always try to negotiate the price. There are so many good cars on the American market – buyers have a strong hand when negotiating price.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

Shawn Fain spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August, pledging support for Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris .

He also wore a shirt calling former President Trump a “scab.”

In a searing moment in the speech, Fain called out Stellantis, claiming the company is balking on commitments made in a recent negotiation.

The union negotiated a new Belvidere, Illinois , factory into its 2023 contract.

But Stellantis has confirmed that it will push back the anticipated opening of the factory.

“This company made a commitment to autoworkers at Stellantis in our union contract, and we intend to enforce that contract to the full extent,” Fain said during the well-watched speech.

“On behalf of autoworkers everywhere, we’re standing up against a company that wants to go back on its commitments and drive a race to the bottom at the expense of the American worker.”

Fain threatened to foment a strike against the automaker.

But Stellantis denied Fain’s accusations and told The U.S. Sun it plans to open the factory later.

“The Company confirms it has notified the UAW that plans for Belvidere will be delayed, but firmly stands by its commitment,” a spokesperson told The U.S. Sun.

“As always, the Company is committed to engaging with the Union on a productive, respectful, and forward-looking dialogue.”

The spokesperson added that a clause in the contract says the union “cannot legally strike” over the delay.

The UAW didn’t respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.