Area Development
Chrysler is adding 1,100 workers to its Detroit Jeep facility to build a new model of its Grand Cherokee SUV. Almost all of the employees will be new to the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, and will comprise the factory's second shift.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne called the launch of the new Grand Cherokee a "milestone" for the brand. The new model is more efficient, handles like a car on the highway, and retains its original off-road capabilities.

Last year, Chrysler was restructured by the federal government and sold only 10.4 million vehicles, its lowest posting in more than 25 years. But Marchionne - who also leads Italy's Fiat Group SpA, which now owns 20 percent of Chrysler - said he expected the United States to cumulatively sell 11 million cars this year.

The hiring will also help boost Michigan's employment situation. The state's unemployment rate stands at 14 percent, the highest in the country.

Marchionne said last week that Chrysler may offer public stock next year.