Stellantis has announced that the next-generation Jeep Cherokee will become the first US vehicle assembled on the STLA One platform. <\/p>\n
STLA One is described by Stellantis as a cornerstone of its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy announced in May 2026. <\/p>\n
STLA One is a modular vehicle architecture designed to support multiple powertrains and vehicle sizes. <\/p>\n
STLA One will have a modular, scalable architecture with common interfaces to reduce complexity, speed development and targets 20% cost efficiency, driven by modularity by design and new battery choices. <\/p>\n
STLA One supports Stellantis’ platform optimization strategy. By 2030, Stellantis targets 50% of volume on three global platforms, with up to 70% component reuse. This platform strategy is designed to shorten time to market, strengthen supplier stability and improve cost efficiency. <\/p>\n
“STLA One is a clear example of a truly modular strategy, giving us the flexibility of a multi-energy platform without carrying inefficiencies from One propulsion system to another,” said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. <\/p>\n
Stellantis says it will improve manufacturing efficiency and simplify vehicle development across more than 30 models globally by 2035. <\/p>\n
As previously announced, 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. <\/p>\n
“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.” <\/p>\n
Belvidere investment <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Investing in the US <\/p>\n
In October 2025, Stellantis confirmed plans to invest more than $13 billion over the next four years to grow its business in the US 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. <\/p>\n
As part of the commitments made in the FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan, the company says it 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. <\/p>\n