“By 2014, 12 nameplates from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram will have heavy Fiat influence. They will either be developed on Fiat Group platforms or rebadged and imported from the Fiat Group.”
Here’s what they have in store for Jeep:
“Subcompact SUV: A small SUV is planned in 2013, based on the platform for the next generation Fiat Panda Cross.
Patriot: Minor exterior and interior changes are planned for 2010. Production ends in 2012.
Compass: Minor exterior and interior changes are slated for 2010. The Compass will be dropped in 2012.
Compact crossover: The unnamed crossover will be developed on a Fiat Group platform. Sales begin in 2013.
Wrangler: A new interior is scheduled for 2010. A new powertrain will be offered in 2011.
Liberty: Minor cosmetic and interior changes are planned for 2010. The redesigned Liberty debuts in 2013, based on a Fiat Group platform.
Commander: U.S. production ends late in 2010. The Commander may be assembled outside North America for export markets.
Grand Cherokee: The redesigned Grand Cherokee and next-generation Mercedes-Benz full-size SUVs are linked at the hip. Vehicle development started when Daimler owned Chrysler. Component sharing is expected to continue for several years. The redesigned Grand Cherokee debuts in May 2010.”
“Chrysler Group LLC will suspend production of its popular Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited vehicles due to a shortage in parts from an unidentified supplier.
Chrysler will idle its Toledo Supplier Park facility in Ohio for one week starting Monday, the company said Friday without disclosing more details. The Wrangler has been one of Chrysler’s best-performing vehicles in terms of sales for the year.
This is the second time Chrysler has changed its production schedule because of a parts issue. The auto maker also delayed adding a second shift to an Illinois plant by more than a month citing “continued stresses” on its parts suppliers.
Friday’s announcement underscores previous reports that tension is growing between Chrysler and its suppliers. In addition to Chrysler’s problem with shortages, some of the smaller parts makers are hesitating to commit to new vehicle projects, according to people familiar with the matter.”
You knew it had to be coming. It’s Summer and people want Jeep Wranglers. Unfortunately, after Chrysler’s Chapter 11 proceedings, new JK body-style Wranglers are tough to come by. As I look out the window at the Jeep Dealership next door, I can count exactly ZERO new Wranglers on the lot. What’s a Jeeper in need of a new Wrangler to do? In the first good news from Jeep in a while, Bloomberg.com is reporting that Chrysler is boosting 2nd-half production to fulfill demand.
“Chrysler plans to run two plants on overtime and is operating a third shift at another factory to restock dwindled inventory on dealer lots…Chrysler has scheduled overtime at its Dodge Ram truck plant in Warren, Michigan, and a plant in Toledo, Ohio, that makes the Jeep Wrangler sport-utility vehicle.”
So hold on just a little bit longer, folks. Hopefully we’ll have a whole fleet of new Wranglers heading to a dealership near you (that made the cut) faster than you can say Sergio Marchionne!
“A recent shuffle of Chrysler Group’s design team could be just what the company needs to effect a quick turnaround after bankruptcy, industry analysts say. The automaker has promoted three men from within to head design for its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands.”
“Mark Allen, 46, was promoted to head of Jeep design from his previous position of chief of Dodge and Jeep truck design.
Jeep has the most going for it in terms of design, analysts say. Allen’s prime directive will be to preserve and evolve the iconic Jeep look that makes the Wrangler a continued sales success relative to other models in the line-up. “Don’t try to make Jeep what it’s not,” Hossack says. “Don’t be selling these little crossover SUVs that won’t go over anything other than wet grass. Make a Jeep a Jeep.”
Allen is very familiar with Jeep’s design heritage, having worked on the 2007 Liberty and 2006 Wrangler. And he certainly has experience with trucks that can tackle more than a damp lawn, after helping craft the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2008 Dodge Dakota.”
Back in February, we’d gotten word that if the Fiat deal with Chrysler went through we’d be seeing a mini Jeep off-roader. Our friends over at Auto Spies have revealed the 2011 Jeep Phoenix 4×4, “a remarkable 1.3litre, 5 door, four wheel drive mini-Jeep that is going to take the North American market by storm, while still getting almost 59 mpg! Based on the Fiat Panda cross 4×4, the Jeep Phoenix is simply rebadged, but completely suited to North American offroad conditions. It is also an exceptional city car that gets far higher mpg than any hybrid on the market, including the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. And all that with a convential gasoline engine with no hybrid technology anywhere!”
Will this be the next great addition to the Jeep line-up? Will this be the vehicle that saves Jeep? Do you love it or hate it? Be sure and let us know what you think. -JW
3 litre, 5 door, four wheel drive mini-Jeep that is going to take the North American market by storm, while still getting almost 59 mpg!Based on the Fiat Panda
Cross 4×4, the Jeep Phoenix is simply rebadged, but completely suited to North American offroad conditions. It is also an exceptional city car that gets far higher mpg than any hybrid on the market, including the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. And all that with a conventional gasoline engine with no hybrid technology anywhere!
From Lauren in Ballston Spa, NY (She’s practically our neighbor!) :
“I haven’t taken it off road yet, but this is my first car and I’ve been obsessed since I got it. My father and two friends also own Jeeps and we’re currently planning on taking a trip up to the northern Adirondacks with this long caravan of jeeps to go off roading with. Time for the shiny red thing to see some dirt!”
We can’t knock you for having a shiny Jeep (too much). She looks great, not to mention that new body style is pretty cool. Be sure and send us some pics of your trip up to the mountains. Have fun! -JW
“President Barack Obama said today that Chrysler LLC will file a historic bankruptcy shortly, backed by up to $3.5 billion in new government aid designed to allow a Chrysler-Fiat partnership to emerge from court in 30 to 60 days…
‘The necessary steps have been taken to give one of America’s most storied companies a new lease on life,’ Obama said…
The administration portrays its “surgical” bankruptcy of one of Detroit’s major automakers as just a legal chore, rather than the threat to Chrysler’s existence and the entire U.S. auto industry that Chrysler itself had described less than three months ago. Administration officials said Chrysler would operate as usual during bankruptcy, and that no additional job cuts were anticipated as of now.”
RT @CalebHadaway: @JeepWorld just hit the 204xxx mark. It's been overheating lately, but I'm going to replace the head gasket, and she will… 14 hours ago
Featured Jeep: 1984 CJ-8 Scrambler (!) from Ontario, Canada.
bit.ly/11bI1JF Check it out! 1 day ago
RT @JimMiller76: Congrats @JeepWorld for rollin out 1M Jeeps. Still lovin my 04 Wrangler Columbia Edition TJ! 135,000 miles & kickin http:/… 2 days ago
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