NextGeneration Jeep® Cherokee to Launch Stellantis’ New STLA One Platform in US

August 14, 2026 by Stellantis
• STLA One global modular platform key to execution of Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan
• New platform strengthens product and cost competitiveness while simplifying operations
• Belvidere Assembly Plant to serve as U.S. launch site for STLA One platform
• Investment in Belvidere expected to grow by $200 million to more than $800 million as preparations for production continue
• Company remains committed to supporting Belvidere employees during transition

Stellantis announced today that the next-generation Jeep® Cherokee will become the first U.S. vehicle assembled on the new STLA One platform, reflecting the company’s commitment to bringing the most competitive vehicles to market while meeting customer needs and driving sustainable, profitable growth.

STLA One, a cornerstone of Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 strategy announced in May 2026, is a flexible, modular design intended to enhance product competitiveness, improve manufacturing efficiency and simplify vehicle development across more than 30 models globally by 2035. By reducing architecture complexity, increasing manufacturing efficiency and leveraging greater scale, the platform will help deliver more competitive products while lowering engineering and production costs.

As previously announced in October 2025, the next generation Jeep Cherokee will be assembled at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, located about 60 miles west of Chicago. The plant, which will play a central role in executing the company’s FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, is expected to assemble a minimum of two vehicles on the new architecture.

‘Launching the next-generation Cherokee on STLA One allows us to deliver a more competitive product while leveraging the strength of our U.S. manufacturing operations,’ said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO and North America COO. ‘Selecting the right product architecture, timing and execution path supports our growth strategy and creates the best long-term outcome and stability for our employees, customers and stakeholders.’

Belvidere Investment and Preparation Underway

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As part of preparations to assemble the next-generation Jeep Cherokee, Stellantis expects to increase its investment in Belvidere to more than $800 million, up from the $600 million announced in October 2025. The facility will be capable of producing all powertrain variants on two shifts.

Work to prepare the plant for production has already begun. More than $60 million has been spent through July 2026 on projects across stamping, body, paint and general assembly focused on assessing, upgrading and preparing infrastructure, equipment and systems to support the plant’s restart. Additional projects are planned for the balance of the year.

Pilot production of the Belvidere-assembled next-generation Jeep Cherokee on the STLA One platform is expected to begin in the first half of 2028, with retail production targeted to launch in the second half of 2029.

Supporting Belvidere Employees
During the transition, Stellantis remains committed to supporting Belvidere employees who have been awaiting the plant’s reopening. The company intends to:

• Continue with supplemental unemployment benefits (SUB) as well as healthcare
• Increase the amount of SUB to reflect the 2023 contract wage increases
• Address future pension credits for employees on layoff
• Offer temporary relocation opportunities for Belvidere employees
Investing in the United States
In October 2025, Stellantis confirmed plans to invest more than $13 billion over the next four years to grow its business in the U.S. market and to increase its domestic manufacturing footprint. The investment is the largest in the company’s 100-year U.S. history and will benefit facilities in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

As part of the commitments made in the FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan, the company will introduce 11 all-new and 12 refreshed vehicles in North America over the next four years, which will expand market coverage to 90% by 2030.

Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands in North America includes Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Peugeot and Maserati. For more than a century, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping culture and contributing to the history of the automotive industry in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.