64 Comments

Phil Howell Oct 25, 2012, 6:00 PM

Thank you for this, Gualberto. Many of us who read other reports and not the original Bloomberg article were stunned that Jeep would consider shifting production out of North America. I'm glad the rumors weren't true. Jeep is an American icon. Keep up the good work

TIM CIM Oct 25, 2012, 8:29 PM

So, to clarify your statement...Jeep has "No intention of moving production to China"....but Fiat still does....

DCS Oct 25, 2012, 8:32 PM

Don't really care for the dismissive and condescending tone of your last paragraph. Never saw the piece on Bloomberg but did read about it at the Washington Examiner site. Not too surprised but glad to learn they got it wrong. Drive 100% Jeeps (KJ and two TJs) now but wouldn't even consider a non-North-American-assembled JK or any other model. FWIW I do wish you'd work harder to EXPORT Jeeps and create more good jobs HERE while putting a small dent in our ~$350 billion trade deficit w/ China rather than investing in production over there.

Onwego Oct 26, 2012, 7:35 AM

 There are times when being dismissive and condescending is appropriate. Mr. Ranieri's rsponse to the Examiner's article and the posts that assumed it was accurate was one of those times. Journalism has suffered migtily over the last 10 years, ans especially over the last 4, from a lowering of standards for accuracy and objectivity. Good for Chrysler for manning up and pointing that outoin such an uncomproming way.  

Phil Howell Oct 26, 2012, 12:14 PM

Being dismissive and condescending is never appropriate (I know, because, as a journalist, I'm guilty of being such at times). It's a positive that Gualberto Ranieri clarified matters. Judging negatively those who read and believed the MANY other reports that Jeep had decided to move production away from North America is not.  

JR00 Oct 26, 2012, 12:14 PM

 So to be clear., Mike Manley did not say, "We're reviewing the opportunities within existing capacity" as well as "should we be localizing the entire Jeep portfolio or some of the Jeep portfolio" to China." ???

wallygirl Oct 26, 2012, 1:04 PM

 @JR000 Portfolio means the full line of course sold under the Jeep brand. it does not mean every car built by Jeep but every model. Any business looking to expand production of a product is first going to look and see if there are opportunities "within existing capacity." Obviously, the chepest way to increase production of a manufactured product, especially in a timely way, is to see if there is a possibiltiy for additional production at existing facilities.  This could be as simple as adding a shift or hiring more workers per shift. If capacity is maxed out, then additional manufactoring facilities need to be built.  if this is the case, it makes sense to locate that facotry in the general vacinity of the target market. That's why honda builds in Ohio. Toyota builds in Kentucky. There also might be a middle ground in which a domestic facility is expanded so as to increase capacity. These are the options that run the range from "within existing capactiy" "localizing" the Jeep protfolio. If there is currently no excess capacity for Jeeps, that speaks volumes for the rebound of this company. If there is excess capacity, than the expansion will likely occur domestically.  But in no way does "localizing the entire portfolio" mean anything other than adding to capacity and including the full line of cars sold under the Jeep moniker.  Similarly, it in no way means building all Jeeps in China.

GeoBoy Oct 26, 2012, 2:40 PM

I've been a Jeep owner for 25 years and expect the name of Jeep to on the mark as American made, not every part, but mostly American. The bottom line is if Chrysler did move its production of Jeep to China to sell in the USA you can forget sales and it will go south. Chrysler would take a hit and if the lie by Romney were true and to make false statements to the very people who make and assemble vehicles is disgusting and not acceptable. Jeep is as American as you can get.

wallygirl Oct 26, 2012, 3:34 PM

 GeoBoy, The folks at Jeep know that full well.  Fortunately this isn't a issue here. Jeep wants to sell more cars in China. If there is no way to expand existing capacity to meet the needs of that market, one option, but certainly not the only option, would be to build cars for that market in that market.  We will not be seeing Chinese made Jeeps showing up on our shores.

KeithW Oct 27, 2012, 9:25 AM

 Am I reading this correctly? Jeep is not MOVING production to China but they might create MORE production in China? If that is correct, I need to know, why would they do that when we have plenty of people out of work HERE? We can export if China wants to buy Jeeps, no? Better for America and I promise you it will be better for Chrysler in the long run. 

jozpina Oct 27, 2012, 9:26 AM

@Phil Howell: "Judging negatively those who read and believed the MANY other reports that Jeep had decided to move production away from North America is not [a positive]." Mr. Ranieri was directing his comments to those who read the original Bloomberg report and then wrote their biased slant on it, not to those who read those inaccurate interpretations.

jtc78623 Oct 27, 2012, 9:26 AM

 I am glad to hear Jeep plans on staying in the US. I was worried I was going to have to find another American car company to purchase from. I love my Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler vehicles, have from the AMC built 79 Wagoneer (which I still have and drive), CJ for weekend fun, 2 PT Cruisers and my Dodge Caliber (232,000 miles and going strong). . .

DavyJonnes Oct 27, 2012, 10:56 AM

You Amercans must create new platforms anywhere on that continent of the USA where live is CHEAP. Buy lots or get it from the the state to create platsforms get things done cheaper. You have great labor. Only have to agree with those wages are < china labor. CEOs, Managers whom have been condems in fraud bla bla in the US must work for FREE for next 10years. If they don't achieve their goals send them to hell.

XweAponX Oct 28, 2012, 9:22 AM

Emine Oct 28, 2012, 9:39 AM

 I think Mitt Romney is officially the first Presidential candidate obscurely called a liar in a written statement by a major US Auto maker. His supporters must be so proud!

Vern Oct 28, 2012, 9:39 AM

  Attn: Gualberto Ranieri   Sir, I would like to personally apologize to you for Mitt Romney, as I am confident he won’t, we seem to have politicians who don’t care what they do to win the day. I have found since I mailed you this was a horrible lie from the biggest liar on the planet. What I would like you to do is to demand in the next couple of days that Mitt Romney apologies publicly to the citizens of Ohio for throwing your company off the cliff for the sake of a few votes. As for your China announcement, I only hope you are very careful to not let sub-standard parts to make their way into the products you build here in America. It will be tempting to source components from China where they can help your bottom line, but be sure the same due diligence and materials meet the original design intent is validated before you mingle those components with American made vehicles. Last thing I have to say, the Chrysler/ Jeep / Dodge brand is now owned by you an Italian company. I am ashamed as an American it went down that way, not to mention my tax dollars paid for you to get the deal of a lifetime. I appreciate your efforts to support a brand that has long been part of the American life. I do want to remind you though, particularly with the Jeep brand, it wasn’t all that long ago those Jeeps freed the Italian people from Mussolini, and Hitler. Any move to stop the production of an icon such as the Jeep brand in America will have negative connotations your company will not want. Again, What I would like you to do is to demand in the next couple of days that Mitt Romney apologies publicly to the citizens of Ohio for throwing your company off the cliff for the sake of a few votes.

ArmyMom Oct 28, 2012, 9:39 AM

 It's astonishing - and disconcerting - that one who seeks to govern the entire nation is neither capable of seeking accurate information or verifying unconfirmed reports before publicly reporting that information to an already fearful and weary electorate, AND equally disconcerting that once the ultimate source of the info - JEEP/CHRYSLER - set the record straight, that man STILL  has not walked back nor has the integrity to gracefully admit error and apologize to the country (particularly our auto workers) for scaring the bejeebus out of us 

colby2473 Oct 28, 2012, 9:39 AM

perhaps, before people take Romney's comments as bible, they need to investigate where he got them from - a low information, right winged blog...really...and this is the man who wishes to have his finger on the red button at 3 am...this caused a lot of people who work in this industry a lot of angst to pander to another group who can't call this man on his lies which appear hourly...we should be ashamed in this country that we are running a man who cannot pronounce or adhere to the word verasity...

and003 Oct 28, 2012, 6:33 PM

No, KeithW, Chrysler CAN'T export Jeeps to China, because their government's policy imposes high taxes on cars imported into the country. Combine that with fluctuating currency exchange rates and shipping costs, exporting Jeeps from the U.S. to China wouldn't be economically feasible.

Eric Oct 28, 2012, 6:33 PM

 Gualberto - apparently your blog post has not been heard.  Perhaps a more clearly directed statement from the company is in order. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/mitt-romney-auto-ad_n_2034971.html

Eric Oct 28, 2012, 10:41 PM

 Gualberto - apparently your blog post has not been heard.  Perhaps a more clearly directed statement from the company is in order. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/mitt-romney-auto-ad_n_2034971.html

Eric Oct 28, 2012, 10:41 PM

 Gualberto - seems that the message wasn't received as Romney is now running the same charge in an ad. Perhaps another statement from the company would help?

BubbaBoo Oct 28, 2012, 10:41 PM

 Here is the problem - the Romney campaign is STILL - TODAY - Running television commericals and newspaper stories that say Jeep is outsourcing.  Talk about brand errosion!  It's time for serious action on this.  The people who need to know the truth - swing state voters, are NOT going to (in any significant way) find themselves to this blog post. Please consider  placing ads (TV and newspaper) to set the record straight.  This is beyond the pale.

Ed Garsten Oct 28, 2012, 10:48 PM

Posting on behalf of Gualberto Ranieri: Import duties raise prices and do not widen the customer base. In fact, it's just the opposite. Thanks very much for your comment. I appreciate it.

Mama2Kings Oct 29, 2012, 3:11 PM

 And even today, October 29th, it continues. And worse, is when I try to point out what's being said, that Romney was mistaken (I try not to inflame with the word "lie") I'm getting told that I'm just listening to the Left's lies and dont know how to read. This needs to be addressed again and again and Chrysler needs to tell Romney to cease and desist.

k9gardner Oct 29, 2012, 3:19 PM

To those who have commented that they would rather see Fiat-Chrysler-Jeep build vehicles here and export them to China, you have to realize that so too would the company! However, you're missing the key issues of shipping and tariffs. China puts a 22% tariff on US-imported SUV's and mid-large cars. This causes these same models to sell for around THREE TIMES their cost here in the States. For example, a base $27,490 Cherokee in the United States costs $85,000 or more in China. 
Don't think that Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep brand management are considering this China manufacturing option frivolously! Nothing could be further from the truth!

PeterPrinciple Oct 29, 2012, 5:04 PM

@TIM CIM So, to clarify your muddy thinking, learn to bleeping read. The fact is Chrysler is ADDING 2000 Jeep jobs in the US, 1100 of them in Ohio. This is what is know here in the real world as a FACT. YMMV in Lower Wingnuttia...

Adamn Smith Oct 29, 2012, 7:33 PM

The UAW and US Government own 40% of Chrysler, FIAT the remaining majority.  Therefore this blog is suspect.  Even money FIAT is planning on moving Jeep production to China AFTER the election in order to help one of it's shareholders, Obama, get re-elected.  

jayelbee Oct 30, 2012, 12:52 AM

@Adamn Smith: So you are basically going to call this guy a liar? With no information to base it on?  Do you work for the Romney campaign? If not then you should seek a job there if the remaining election calendar permits because your methodology fits right in.

Renegade98 Oct 30, 2012, 12:52 AM

It is unfortunate in America that a candidate for the highest office in the land will lie to the people just to get elected. He is reportedly religious and it is hard to understand that this man can go to this length, but I guess power is everything to him.

Oviraptor Oct 30, 2012, 12:52 AM

Perhaps it was the missleading news article. "Fiat SpA (F), majority owner of Chrysler Group LLC, plans to return Jeep output to China and may eventually make all of its models in that country, according to the head of both automakers’ operations in the region" This para definitly states "will make all of it models in that country". It can easily be misconstrued as meaning all production over there.  

Bullballs Oct 30, 2012, 12:52 AM

Fiat owns controling interest in Chrisler. Mr Smith you are right in your comment. the move will be made after the election. Even money China will own America if Obama is relected

MjM Oct 30, 2012, 7:39 AM

Beg to differ, Mr.  Ranieri :   Firing up new production in China - or anywhere outside of North America - is most cetainly shifting production OUT of North America.  That it is so is simple logic. What will you be telling your Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois workers once their lines slow due to US exports lost to the Asian markets?        

factchecker164 Oct 30, 2012, 7:39 AM

Romney's team knew exactly what they were doing and they chose cynically to twist the truth, to lie, to try to score cheap political points and try to muddy an issue that has been costing him votes in Ohio.  So glad Obama's campaign has launched an effective ad calling them on it.  Jeep should also do more rebuttal themselves -- their brand / reputation is collatoral damage here.

Luigi Menta Oct 30, 2012, 7:39 AM

ok but... what about the Jeep Maserati SUV production in Italy???

And... if you don't produce your cars in China or Russia that government's couldn't permit you to sell them your products!!

ok sulla Cina ma... cosa mi dice della produzione in Italia (Mirafiori o Grugliasco) del suv Jeep-Maserati?

Inoltre... lei sa sicuramente che alcuni governi, come quello cinese o russo, non permettono importazioni ma chiedono la produzione in loco (e quindi la creazione di nuovi posti di lavoro). La vostra apertura di una fabbrica in Cina e di un'altra in Russia e la parallela chiusura di Termini Imerese e, forse, Pomigliano va proprio in questa direzione: perché negarlo?

Bullballs Oct 30, 2012, 8:44 AM

Fiat owns controling interest in Chrisler. Mr Smith you are right in your comment. the move will be made after the election. Even money China will own America if Obama is relected

WalkerCoJK Oct 30, 2012, 1:24 PM

Just goes to show how much of a poopstorm gets generates when there's even the faintest scent in the wind of messing around with Jeep ! (the real Jeep, not the liberty, compass and whatever other soccer mom vehicles you freely decide to stick the Jeep name on)  All this stupid political mess will pass as soon as one of the canidates does something dumb and steals the spotlight, (shouldn't take too long for either one of them) just take this as a wake-up call should the thought of moving Jeep ever cross your mind. 

informed Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

Fiat CEO Sergio - Marchionne is considering building Chrysler models in Italty, including Jeep for EXPORT to North America.

savagenation Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

DODGE MAN Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

Romney's ads are NOT misleading on this, and frankly Guilaberto Ranieri, did NOT do his homework on Jeep's plans, and is in serious contradiction with the ECONOMIC facts, relying on the corporate propagandia over the actual policy heads: I.,e., As reported in the The Washington Examiner just last Thursday:"In a Bloomberg interview, Jeep's president said the automaker plans to restore Jeep production in China, suspended in 2009, and is considering making all Jeeps in China. "Fiat SpA, majority owner of Chrysler Group LLC, plans to return Jeep output to China and may eventually make all of its models in that country, according to the head of both automakers' operations in the region," reported the business wire service.

Mike Manley, chief operating officer of Fiat and Chrysler in Asia and president of the Jeep brand, told Bloomberg, "We're reviewing the opportunities within existing capacity" as well as "should we be localizing the entire Jeep portfolio or some of the Jeep portfolio" to China.

To the extent the U.S. production for exports to China would thus be ended, that would damage the sustainability of U.S. production. In multiple ways. One would be the lower quantity of U.S. production. Second would be a dramatic increase in import competition...this time from China. Why? Once the technology and designs are given to the Chinese partners, that would be the ultimate end for any U.S. production...even if they did try and retain it. You know why? Because China REQUIRES release of the technology to their companies when it is made there. And they would then make jeeps under a different label...and export them back to the U.S. And the U.S. jeep production could not compete with the Chinese "copy" production where their workers are being paid slave wages.

DODGE MAN Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

The Chinese tariff on Jeeps, should then be countered with a U.S. tariff on all their auto parts and vehicles.

nvdem Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

 Is everyone in the usa so naive they think that after Fiat gets manufacturing up and running they won't then produce more and more cars in China and less and less in the usa until they finally close the plants here?  That is exactly what history has shown us.  Lets build some plants in Mexico for overseas markets then before you know it the usa factories were shut and Mexico keeps building.  Wake up folks.

nvdem Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

 We should be building all Jeeps in the usa where we desperately need jobs.  So why build them in China.  Don't tell me its because they need to be close to where they are sold.  The Koreans and Japanese have been doing great selling their cars overseas in the usa.  We can do the same.  The us Govt gave Chrysler to FIAT for FREE!  They had to agree to invest a bunch of money to expand a plant in Mexico to build the small cars they are going to sell to americans.  And we applaud this type of behavior?  Come on we can do much better.

Mr Thomas Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

What the article, or anyone else withing Chrysler should have stated is that in order to sell vehicles in China, you have build the vehicle in China. When the Jeeps were built in China before, it was because that's the only way they could sell them there. The original article stated output to return to China.  It did not state anything about moving production to China. I'm pretty sure if the Jeeps could be built in the USA, they would be. Romney knew what he was doing.  Why would Chrysler spend so millions in Toledo and Detroit (adding Maserati production to Jeep/Dodge), then turn around and say 'let's build it in China"?

johnnybliss Oct 30, 2012, 10:35 PM

 Mitt Romney is an embarrassment. Lying about JEEP was a cynical move.

RaymondN Oct 31, 2012, 8:24 PM

Some of these posts  just absolutely amaze me.  Anyone who has any knowledge of the auto industry must know that Jeep USED to build Jeeps in China many years ago and they wish to do so again.  It is just simple arithmetic  China imposes very high tarriffs on IMPORTED vehicles so it is only feasable to build locally in order to sell locally.  The Chinese folks wont buy a US made Jeep that would cost twice what a locally (Chineese Jeep) would cost.  And the number one selling car in China is a Chineese built Buick which is owned by Geneal Motors.As for Chryslers response it seems more than appropriate in order to make it really CLEAR that JEEP IS NOT moving to Chine no matter what some self serving politican would have you believe.

JungleBoi Nov 1, 2012, 9:00 AM

@jayelbee He did have enough information - unlike you, he wasnt watching FAUX NEWS.  ROBMEY is a liar, plain and simple.  Want proof?  It's called "The Google"

JungleBoi Nov 1, 2012, 9:00 AM

 @nvdem: China imposes import tarifs that, combined with shipping expenses and other taxes, make exporting cars built here financially impractical if not entirels out of the question.

PeterPrinciple Nov 1, 2012, 10:07 AM

@JR00 So, to be clear, even clear enough for a subliterate wingnut dolt, here in the real world Chrysler is ADDING Jeep jobs in the US - some 2000, 100 of them in Ohio. Welcome to reality. Enjoy your visit, no matter how brief.

PeterPrinciple Nov 1, 2012, 10:07 AM

@KeithW Well, not that you'd have any way of knowing but, not stupid people know that companies would rather build large items locally to be sold locally. If Chrysler - or any other car company - wishes to sell more cars in China, they must build more cars in China, just as Toyota, Mercedes, etc. build cars in the US to sell in the US. Duh bleeping duh, duh, duh.

Adamn Smith Nov 1, 2012, 10:08 AM

 Besides the fact that the US Government and the UAW OWN 40% of Chrysler (this blog is owned by a political party and union), the only unanswered question remaining is where are  Gualberto Ranieri SEC FILINGS.  WHICH PARTY HAS HE DONATED MONEY?

coffee1st Nov 1, 2012, 10:11 AM

Double talk.  You stated, "It’s simply reviewing the opportunities to return Jeep output to China for the world’s largest auto market."   How is Romney lying??? THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HE HAS STATED!!!  Do you build Jeeps in China for the Chinese market????  YES OR NO?????  We should be BUILDING JEEPS HERE TO SELL TO CHINA if they want them so badly!!!!  Every day we are FORCED to buy autos and products made in China that are cheap, crappy immitations of what American USED to produce!!!!!  If your cars aren't made ENTIRELY IN THE U.S., down to the last bolt - I won't be buying it!!!!  So glad I didn't buy a Chrysler last month!!!! 

coffee1st Nov 1, 2012, 10:11 AM

Again - I quote, " Similarly, it in no way means building all Jeeps in China."   Let's parse this out...   "....ALL jeeps in China...."  -as opposed to "SOME jeeps in China".     Are you people blind?????????   Chrysler is freaking out that Americans will find out their American made car isn't always being made in America....

stixy pixy Nov 1, 2012, 1:39 PM

 Romney led everyone to believe Jeep is moving iproduction to China. Jeep should have 'zero' plants in China. Export vehicles as the Chinese want jeeps and will pay to have them. Even one job going to someone outside of United States is unacceptable. Say 'no' to Jeep should they open a plant outside our country.  We all whine and point fingers at politicians about jobs leaving USA and yet you buy junk from  other countries which put your neighbors out of work. it takes a little bit of extra time to find products made here but it is worth your time even when you have to spend a few more dollars.So do not blame others without looking in a mirror and asking yourself 'what part do I play in keeping jobs here.'    

FLJEEP Nov 3, 2012, 9:11 AM

Cou_46 Nov 3, 2012, 8:48 PM

 You liberals need to stop looking thru rose colored glasses. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Obama and his minions are lying thru their teeths. You are going to wake up one day and find all of your liberties are gone and you live in a communist country if Obama is reelected. How stupid can you people be?

Holily Nov 3, 2012, 8:48 PM

If anyone doesn't think that those cheap Chinese jeeps will eventually find their way to the United States is a IDIOT. Once manufacture in underway they will do a cost anylsis and those jeeps will be coming here.  and there will be more loss jobs, Remember Chrysler has always been in trouble, and been bailed out more times than any other automaker. Make the jeeps here and sent them to China.

maire Nov 4, 2012, 1:40 PM

 JEEP/Chrysler CEO, President Obama and the UAW defy common sense and have spread disinformation. JEEPS currently produced in USA/Mexico and currently EXPORTED/shipped to China will no longer be made by JEEP USA/Mexico and EXPORTED to China when JEEP opens JEEP production plants in China.The public is not stupid IF USA/Latin America demand for JEEP increases and offsetsthe loss of USA/Mexico produced JEEPS exported to China then MAYBE USA/Mexico JEEP production jobs  remain at current level.

maire Nov 4, 2012, 1:40 PM

 P.S. Have always had a JEEP,but after listening to UAW and Chris Hayes MSNBC pontificate that some auto worker might commit suicide because a presidential candidate said JEEP opening production plants in China will impact USA auto worker job security makes me consider FORD for next purchase.

Phil Howell Nov 4, 2012, 1:40 PM

Both candidates have made blunders in their presidential campaigns, but Romney's speech about this wasn't one of them. He said that HE HAD READ AN ARTICLE that said Jeep was moving production to China. I read a number of articles stating the same thing. How is Romney lying about this?

pts151 Nov 10, 2012, 10:00 AM

I want to thank you for your answer and honesty! You set me straight!

yeomandroid Nov 11, 2012, 4:57 PM

 It would be the death of Chrysler if Jeep production moved to China. It wouldn't make good sense and Romney tried to stir the ire of Ohio in hopes of winning the state over because of hyperbole--exaggerating the truth. I think Sergio has enough common sense and it was a big discredit to Romney and his party for allowing such a reckless comment to be made. I was impressed by Chrysler and GM firing back to set the record straight! Good job!

nathanT Jan 19, 2013, 12:45 PM

Hi Gualberto - I looks like Jeep production is moving to China afterall?  http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/uk-fiat-marchionne-china-idUKBRE90G0O620130117

Mike Driehorst-Chrysler Jan 19, 2013, 12:57 PM

@NathanT: Please have another look at our blog post and the story in your link.

In the post above and other information about our China plans, we never said we would not produce Jeep SUVs in China. What we did say and have been consistent in saying is that we would  add "Jeep production sites rather than shifting output from North America to China.”

The Jeep SUVs we plan to build in China will  be for the Chinese market. As I'm sure you know and can easily research, there are tariffs on imports to the Chinese market and other limitations. The best way to grow the iconic American Jeep brand in China is to make them in China.

This article on the same Jeep in China news maybe be of interest: http://www.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2013/01/19/Marchionne-says-Wrangler-Grand-Cherokee-to-be-built-only-in-Toledo-Detroit.html.

-Mike Driehorst
Editorial Director-Online Media
Chrysler Group LLC

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