Jeep News for 7/30

Jeep Still Strong As Chrysler Slumps

“At this point, it’s hard to say what positive value Chrysler has,” said Gerald Meyers, chairman of the former American Motors Corp., which owned Jeep until Chrysler snapped up AMC in the late 1980s. “But Jeep is worth a lot — it’s the sole clear-cut jewel in their crown … that can be isolated and sold as a unit, without being much concern if Chrysler survives or not.”

Full story from DetNews.com here.

We had posted that Chrysler may be in trouble a few days ago. The Jeep Brand is very strong and still has a huge following, but will need to evolve along with our collective driving habits. It remains to be seen if Chrysler will sell the brand to free up cash or put the hard lean on Jeep in order to survive.

Chrysler to Quit Leasing Business

“I see this as indicative of some financial difficulty … banks may not be willing to lend Chrysler money on the same favorable terms as in the past,” said Aaron Bragman, automotive research analyst at Global Insight Inc. “It’s very risky to leave the leasing business up to a third party. Some customers will go to competitors and they will lose volume.”

Customer Concerns

Chrysler Financial is ending its leasing programs, raising questions:
Q: I currently lease, will I be affected?
A: No, current lease terms are unchanged, and vehicles should be returned to dealers as normal.
Q: If I still want to lease a Chrysler vehicle, can I?
A: Yes, but you or your dealer will have to make arrangements through a third-party bank.
Q: Will my monthly payment go up on my next lease?
A: Possibly, it’s expected that third-party banks will offer competitive terms, but there may be less incentives for leasers.
Q: If I buy, will I pay more per month?
A: Chrysler says no, but you may be paying off your vehicle loan for five or six years.

More after the jump.

Chrysler, Jeep, & Dodge Middle East Enjoy Half Year Sales Boost

“Despite economic gloom affecting the world automotive market, Chrysler International- Regional Center Middle East is bucking the trend with 2008 half-year sales up by 31%, compared to the first six months of 2007”

Read the full story here.

These numbers may be a little deceiving as there was a lot of room for growth, but it’s good to see sales going well where the gas is still cheap!

2 More Hot Items for the Jeep Wrangler JK

A couple of weeks back, we filled you in on the 5 must have accessories for the Jeep Wrangler JK. After reviewing this entry, we realized we left out two scorching hot sellers.

Many new Jeep owners are looking to take their doors off for Summer & we’ve got just the product to help you do it.  The Jeep JK Mirror Relocation Brackets by Rugged Ridge allow you to mount your factory mirrors onto the frame of your JK & up the level of Jeep freedom as you head down the open road sans top & doors.  The kit is made from powder coated steel for a long life & added durability and includes a filler plate if you choose to put the doors back on once in a while.  We can barely keep this one in stock during the summer!

If you’re like most Jeep owners then getting outside and getting dirty is a big part of your life.  The terry velour Jeep Seat Towel by iNSYNC helps protect your Jeep from sweat, beach sand, UV rays, dirt and every day wear and tear.  This item is perfect for right after the beach or as a seat protector for your favorite ride-along dog.  The simple design & easy on/easy off installation make this product a no-brainer if you’re into the outdoor lifestyle.

For other Jeep Accessories check out:

JeepWorld.com

Is Chrysler Kaput?

“Chrysler doesn’t have a single big-selling model in its entire inventory of passenger cars. The only profitable asset the company still has is its Jeep brand (a small miracle, that, given the Patriot/Compass/Commander albatross hanging around its neck).”

The rest of the story from the American Spectator here.

Would this be good or bad for Jeep? Share you thoughts below.

Jeep Patriot is the Least Expensive SUV to Own

Just read over at istockanalyst.com that the Jeep Patriot is now the least expensive SUV to own according to Edmunds.com. Even with gas prices shooting through the roof, there are those of us that still require an SUV for certain life needs. Read the full story here.

Operation Red Dragon: Marine’s Jeep under resoration while he’s deployed

York County, MD:

“20 year old Lance Corp. Cale Adams deployed to Iraq in March.  While he is gone, he asked his mother to collect some parts for his old, beat up Jeep, he plans to restore when he gets home.
However, Sue Adams is taking that request one step further.  She is raising money to have Cale’s 1995 Jeep, he calls “The Dragon” completely restored by the time he comes home.
Operation Red Dragon is an effort to raise the 20 thousand dollars needed to add all the bells and whistles to make the vehicle a Jeep lovers dream.”

Story here

& here’s a link to Cale’s Jeep Makeover Myspace page if you’d like to help make Cale’s dream a reality.  They’ve raised around $8500 so far.  Let’s help to give him a great welcome home.

Featured Jeep: 2001 Jeep Wrangler (TJ)

From Mike & Jenn of Fernley, NV:

“ We love the fact that it can take us places that no other vehicle can. We can experience it together as a family, which makes it more exciting and adventurous. Our 2 1/2 yr old daughter loves going off road & laughs hysterically at and all bumps and dips. It’s a blast!”

Jeep News for 7/14/08

photo courtesy of Car & SUV

New Jeep J8 for Serious Off Roading

The Jeep J8 multi-purpose vehicle made it’s first appearance at a consumer event during Euro Camp Jeep 2008 in Northern Germany. The J8 marks the Jeep brand’s return to commercial and military vehicle production with a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of both non-government organizations and government agencies.

More on the Jeep J8 here.

Chrysler Plans Electric Vehicles

Chrysler LLC’s answer to the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt could be three to five years away, the Free press has learned. The Auburn Hills automaker launched a special division within the company last fall called ENVI–pronounced like “envy”–to bring electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies to market.

Is an Electric Jeep in the works?

Tennessee Woman Wins Jeep in Video Game

Jessica Garrett, 31, of Hendersonville, just struck…silver. As a first-time player of Silver Strike Bowling, America’s hottest coin-operated video game, she’s scored the ultimate trophy: a 2008 Jeep Wrangler, valued at $23,000.

More on the lucky winner here.

Jeepworld.com! Your online source for Jeep Parts, Jeep Accessories, Jeep Merchandise, & More!

Featured Jeep: 2007 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (JK)

From Enrique & Brenda of Des Plaines, IL

“ My husband & I enjoy off-roading every chance we get with our fellow Jeep friends. This picture was taken during our off-roading trip to Moab, UT this past spring. We also have a 2004 Jeep Liberty Renegade Utility that has had its fair share of off-roading. See you all on the trails….”

5 Must Have Accessories for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler (JK)

There is no better feeling than cruising in your 2008 Jeep Wrangler JK with the wind blowing all around you on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. The JK is practically begging to be upgraded with accessories before you take it out on the road or off. Let us help you individualize your Jeep and make it stand out from the pack!

Protect your seats from beach sand, wet bathing suits, ride-along dogs, dirt, & mud with Jeep Wrangler Seat Protectors by Rugged Ridge. These affordable alternatives to full seat covers are made of neoprene and designed to be functional on a vehicle with or without seat airbags, unlike other brands. They include back pockets for extra storage when on the road (or off road!) as well as a removable cup holder.

The Jeep Wrangler Cab Cover by Mopar comes in handy in a pinch when bad weather or dust heads your way when your top is off. Just throw this weather-resistant, high quality, nylon cover up over your vehicle and secure it to the body using the included straps and loops. The Cab Cover stores in a convenient snap bag when not in use. It’s available in black or a heat reflective silver, which works well in warm weather climates.

Need a trusty, “OH @#$* !” handle for your passengers to cling to as you tear it up in the mud?

We’ve got several different Jeep Grab Handles to suit your Jeepin’ needs. The Mopar version includes one grab handle with jeep Logo and a coat hook for laundry or garment bags. EK Grab Handles are probably the nicest set on the market. Constructed from tight nylon webbing with rubber grip handles this product is sure to make even the pickiest Jeep driver happy. Don’t forget to give your backseat passengers some love too! The Rugged Ridge Grab Handles for the rear seat passengers conveniently attach under the front seat head rests giving folks in the back seat a place to grab onto.

Another must-have for 2008 Jeep Wrangler JK owners are the heavy-duty, all weather, Jeep Floor Mats. These come with a cool, new tire tread pattern and Jeep logo to help hold mud, slush, water, and dirt while protecting the floor of your brand new Wrangler.

These are a must have for anyone who lives in a northern climate, goes to the beach, or lives any kind of outdoor lifestyle, which make them necessary for pretty much every Jeep owner out there!

Last but not least, every JK needs a Jeep Tire Cover. If yours came without one, we’ve got a plethora of choices for you to pick from. The spare tire is a blank canvas waiting for you to dress it up and set your Jeep apart from the crowd.

Jeep Sales Continue to Drop. Chrysler June Sales Figures Released.

A perfect storm of gas prices and general economic woes are putting a hurting on Jeep sales. According to Chrysler LLC, Jeep sales are down 40% from the same time period last year. This is coming off the May Sales Period where sales numbers fell 25%. Even the juggernaut of the line-up, the Jeep Wrangler had sales slip by 39%.

In an attempt to curb this worrying trend, Chrysler has extended it’s Refuel America $2.99 Gas Plan through July 31st, 2008.

source Chrysler LLC