Fiat Chrysler plans to open new factory in Detroit

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV plans to convert an abandoned engine production plant in Detroit into a new factory to produce sport utility vehicles, according to multiple reports.

The Detroit News reported Thursday that Fiat Chrysler will revive a factory that has been closed since 2012 in a move that could create between 100 and 400 jobs. The new plant will be the first to open in Detroit in 27 years, the news outlet reported.

Chrysler Fiat, which is based in Auburn Hills, Mich., will reportedly use the space to build the Jeep Grand Cherokee model for 2021.

{mosads}The Detroit News reported that construction on the new plant, which would replace the space known as Mack Avenue Engine II, is tentatively set to begin next year.

Chrysler Fiat declined to comment to The Hill.

News of a forthcoming plant in Detroit comes roughly 10 days after General Motors announced that it plans to slash 15,000 jobs and close manufacturing sites in, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Canada.

The decision drew overwhelming criticism from lawmakers, and President Trump has threatened to end the company’s federal tax credit for electric vehicles in retaliation for the announced layoffs. 

Trump has regularly touted the resurgence of manufacturing jobs as evidence that his economic policies have been successful. Aside from the Fiat Chrysler development, the only major new automobile plant announced during the Trump administration came from Toyota and Mazda.

The Trump administration has threatened auto tariffs on foreign-made cars in an effort to spur investment in domestic manufacturing.