Report: Jeep Wrangler Pickup Not Set to Arrive Until Late 2019
It may still be a while until Jeep enthusiasts can finally drive a Jeep pickup again
Ironically enough, it seems that with each day that passes, the release date of the Jeep Wrangler Pickup travels further into the future. When the Wrangler Pickup model was first confirmed in January of last year, Jeep brand boss Mike Manley hinted that it could arrive as early as late 2017. As the year passed, that release date was pushed back to mid-2018. Unfortunately, during a recent Jeep press conference, Manley yet again revealed a far-off release date for the Wrangler Pickup.
Now the Jeep Wrangler Pickup is not set to arrive until late 2019.
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During the media launch for the new Jeep Compass, Manley revealed this far-flung release date for the Wrangler Pickup, citing that the Jeep brand wants to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the next generation of Jeep Wrangler vehicles before production of the pickup version can begin.
“The key thing for me is to make sure the new Wrangler is fully up and running,” Manley said.
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Manley concurrently revealed that the new Jeep Wrangler is set to be released in the fourth quarter of this year.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is investing $700 million to retool its Toledo Assembly Complex for production of the new Jeep Wrangler model. The Toledo site will eventually also house production for the Jeep Wrangler Pickup.
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Even the name of the pickup model remains in its conceptual period. However, Manley stated that he and FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne are currently considering using the names of historical Jeep vehicles.
The considered names reportedly include Comanche, Gladiator, and Willys.
There’s only room for one Willys around these parts
The Willys name has already been applied to a trim package for the Wrangler, so this name seems unlikely. Comanche was the name of the last Jeep pickup, built between 1985 and 1992. However, according to Cox Automotive executive analyst Rebecca Lindland, Comanche might not be seen as the most politically correct title for the vehicle. Therefore, the Gladiator name remains a likely choice for the Jeep truck.
The Jeep Wrangler Pickup, regardless of what it ends up being called, will likely be more expensive than competing mid-size trucks. However, Manley stated that he still expects the model to sell well in the North American and Middle Eastern markets when it is finally released in 2019. That is, of course, as long the release date is not pushed back any further.
News Source: The Detroit News
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