Chrysler temporarily slows Jeep production Chrysler is temporarily slowing production of the new Jeep Cherokee at its plant in Toledo, Ohio. Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson says the company will lay off 500 workers and idle the second shift at its Toledo North plant for around two weeks. The new Cherokee small SUV is replacing the Liberty in Jeep's lineup. It's a critical product for Chrysler and one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. Chrysler has already delayed production and deliveries to make sure the SUV's new nine-speed transmission is working smoothly.