 Is DaimlerChrysler Hearing Pleas for the Rescue?
Posted by mike on 2004/1/19 23:00:00 (272) reads
|
Chrysler Officials Hinting That the Jeep Rescue May Be Built
We ran across this article this morning on IndyStar.com - it seems to be in the similar vein as recent reports of the Jeep/Hummer relationship. The big difference is that the chief designer of the Jeep Rescue seems to think there's a strong business case to put it into production. Here's a snippet: The popularity of General Motors' brawny Hummer brand has spawned wannabes. Both Ford Motor and Chrysler Group have produced concept vehicles with Hummerlike qualities. No wonder. In its first full year on sale, GM sold 35,259 of the Indiana-built Hummer H2s, about 25 percent more than it had anticipated. And profits are enormous. GM is eager to broaden the line, and that has its competition taking notice. Having to follow GM is particularly galling for Chrysler, which believes its Jeep is the pioneer for military-type sport-utility vehicles. "It hurts when you have to have a competitor emulate you and get credit for being ahead of you. That stings," says David McKinnon, DaimlerChrysler design vice president. He oversaw Jeep's concept sport-utility vehicle, Rescue, which is aimed squarely at the Hummer H2 produced in Mishawaka at the AM General plant. Both Hummers and Jeeps started as military trucks, and it's the military imagery that drives the brands. "Most SUVs look similar, but Jeep and Hummer have history, a back story to their brands," says marketing consultant Dennis Keene. "They are like the Corvettes and Mustangs of SUVs." Jeep is Chrysler's strongest brand, but the automaker is clearly frustrated by Hummer. It unsuccessfully sued GM in an attempt to keep it from using a seven-slot grille shared by Hummer and Jeep. It also has run a recent TV ad spoofing a popular Hummer ad about a soapbox derby. Although Rescue, which was shown last week at the Los Angeles auto show, is a concept vehicle, Chrysler officials hinted strongly that the SUV will be built. "There is a business case to do it," said chief designer Trevor Creed. Rescue would be a heavy-duty off-roader with a full-size, 123-inch wheelbase, towering 37-inch-diameter tires and, like Jeep Wrangler, removable doors and fold-flat windshield. A Cummins diesel engine would be offered. And a camera system underneath would help drivers find hidden wheel-busting rocks. Be sure to check out the entire article. Wondering more about who Trevor Creed is? Check out this article for a little background on the guy who's got a big say in what the future of Jeep will bring.
Reader Reactions
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. You must login or register to post a comment.
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
 Originally posted by: chad I am loyal to Jeeps and will probably by another one. I had to sell my last jeep, a 98 TJ with a 4in sus lift I put on myself along with a number of other heavy-duty assets. I hope Daimler/chrysler offers many versions if they decide to make the Rescue . Why would you need a camera to look under the front end for rocks? I hope they do not overwhelm the vehicle with pricy assets that will break or get in the way. Look what keeps the TJ selling. It has a rugged, yet easy to personalize design. I think Daimler/Chrysler should let Hummer do their thing and concentrate on new technology like an updated engine to go in the wrangler/Rubicon. The factory Dana 44's and locking differentials are high speed. They need to quit wasting time with GM over the Hummer issue and go in a better jeep direction. I think as a fourwheel drive the only real competition Jeep had from Hummer was the H1's. Daimler/Chrysler needs to make the Jeep Rescue rugged for offroad, but also user friendly for the family. The idea of the 6cyl Cummins is awesome because you can use it on the trail, take kids to school in the snow, and that engine has all the Torque to pull the family boat to the lake.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Johnny B I'm a divorce babyboomer in would like to mention the fact that I thought I would never fall in love again, well I have an with Jeep Rescue!Call it like you want a mid-life crisis or what, I call it love at first sight!I'm obsess, I feel like a kid again, I can't get this dream machine out of my head!I looked at all the other SUVS including the Hummer and none of them move me like the JEEP RESCUE! Hats off to JEEP if, if they go threw with production of which anyone in there right mind would!It would be a great investment especially with the cummings diesel, it would be worth spending a little more to have a loving partnership for life! What muscles, JEEP RESCUE would beat any SUV vehicle in any body bulding contest for sure! Jeep is a national icon, an (jeep rescue) projects this image for sure!JEEP due us proud, and make this baby so everyone can live happily ever after!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Wyatt here is my comment
It's good to have manufacturers like HUMMER though. If it wasn't for HUMMER, Jeep would never build the Rescue. I'm glad that Jeep has someone keeping them on their toes. If it wasn't for HUMMER, Jeep would be focusing on the Icon or the Jeepster.
I too would rather have a Rescue than an H2 although I'd like to have a smaller version.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: boogey man hell yeah, if i could afford one id buy a hummer.
but since i can afford $100,000 , the rescue (without camera navigation system and satalite phone ) maybe $30,000 would be an awsome must have
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: D Moore I love the Hummer H2...know why?...I think it is going to make Jeep get off it's butt and continue making real Jeeps instead of just catering to the "family..go to the grocery store" SUV market. We all know there are more than enough of those SUV's out there.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Concerned Taxpayer JeepMan:
More like JeepLittleBoyMan.
No rational response to being called on your ignoarnt rant little boy?
Jackass, explain why the H2 is so socially unacceptable when it's smaller than and gets equivalent gas mileage to a Ford Econoline Van.
Or is it that ignorant leftist control-freak fags like you just can't get enough of trying to control what other people choose to do with their time and money?
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: JeepMan OK concerned asshole, I'll let you know when Sherman opens a dealership near you. Ignorant prick!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ "It's about the size of a Grand Cherokee but it looks like a real Jeep rather then a soccer mom minivan!"
Actually, the hood of the Rescue concept would come up to just above the shoulders of an average-sized man standing next to it. It's huge.
Sorry for the digression, continue your juvenile rantings...
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Hey Asshat The Rescue doesn't even compare in width to the H2. It's about the size of a Grand Cherokee but it looks like a real Jeep rather then a soccer mom minivan! So it can go anywhere off road, ALL JEEPS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THIS... the Rescue would also be offeren with a regular engine. This wouldn't even come close to an H2, Suburban, ect, in size, so to suggest it was a concept created for the military is just assanine. This whole military discussion is assanine, the concept was created to gauge PUBLIC REACTION FOR A POSSIBLE ADDITION TO THE JEEP LINE UP. All this military crap is completely off topic.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: JeepMan Hey Bud, there is a huge difference between what someone wants to build on a piece of private property and someone who wants to drive a tank on a public road paid for with my taxes. These vehicles were built for use in the desert and dirt roads. Just as Europe's infrastucture limits practical vehicle size, so does the USA's. The secondary roads in this country's cities and suburban areas were not build for/with everybody driving a Hummer sized vehicle in mind. Maybe you should write your congressman and ask him to increase your taxes to pay for the widening of every public road in the country. That way, these arrogant, selfish, inconsiderate assholes will have plenty of room to navigate their fat ass down to the grocery store. And as an added boon, Hummer can then add another 2 feet to the width of the next generation Hummer! I'm placing my order right now! Yeah Baby! It is just simple COMMON SENSE!!!!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jeepin jenny! here is my comment
Please, please-make this vehicle! It is totally awesome! I will buy it! So, will many other Jeep owners who are looking for a liitle bit more in their Jeep.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: xjgary I sure love the looks of the Rescue, and I like the fact that it would have a diesel, but it is just too big for me. I go on narrow trails, and this things would be hanging 2 tires over the side of the cliff-or learning to fly. Maybe they could make a giant size and a mid-size version and compete in 2 markets. Or simply build the Dakar. Both the Rescue and Dakar look so much better than the Soccermom Liberty!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: JeepMan The Hummer is not an appropriate vehicle for Sally citizen to be driving around. It is a heavy duty military vehicle and should be used as such. The fact that people are buying and driving them around only illustrates just how far some assholes will go to be the annoying assholes that they are. What's next? Eighteen wheelers with 10 rows of heated leather seats, a 20FT home theater widescreen and 1.5 MPG? The line has to be drawn somewhere and I draw it at the Chevy Suburban. You need something bigger than that, go get a fucking trucker's license and hit the road. If only people had a shred of common sense! Oh, and to anyone who should disagree with this: trust me, you are dangerously retarded.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: ScramblerKen Well, I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for the Rescue to be in showrooms too soon. Minimally, it would be about 2 years before we would see anything that resembles the Rescue in the Jeep line. With the past history, Jeep takes a long time to bring anything new to market. Heck, it took over 18 months to get the Unlimited, and how much was involved in that? AEV had been producing 104 inch wheelbase Wranglers for years, and the Unlimited uses all of the same components as the regular TJ.
As an interim, it’s too bad Jeep has passed up on giving us the TJL or mass producing the AEV Brute. The TJL is a full ton capable truck compared to the ¼ ton TJ as the TJL is designed to carry heavy military weapons. The TJL is rumored to be the only test vehicle our Military reviewed that passed all the tests the military defined for a proposed new small military vehicle. The TJL also was the only test vehicle that did not have any mechanical failures during the tests.
Additionally, Jeep had the opportunity to mass produce Dave Harriton’s Brute, and they passed. It is too bad AEV is much too small to produce these at any volume as this would have been a head turner. If Jeep had made this available, I think Jeep would have had many new visitors popping in to showrooms, which Jeep badly needs. Jeep had the ability to use the old Plymouth Prowler plant, and could have had a limited number available this summer. The Brute would have given DC something to compete with the convertible Chevy SSR. Granted the SSR has more horsepower, but the Brute is definitely more capable, and would have been much cheaper.
The Rescue at least is in the right direction for Jeep. It’s not a vehicle I would buy, and Jeep has to be careful in price and not be too swayed by how well the Hummer is doing. I think Hummer is still a bit of a fad, and for Jeep to sell a vehicle in the over $50K range could be a bit risky. Volkswagen is facing this dilemma with the $95K Phaeton.
Hopefully if Jeep does produce the Rescue, they will offer the vehicle in various configurations to allow a more diverse crowd the opportunity to afford the vehicle. There is still a lot of work to be done before anything like the Rescue will be in the Jeep line. We probably won’t see the Rescue soon, but at least watching what Jeep does in the next few years will be interesting.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Stan O. I think that the Rescue would be a great asset
to not only DaimlerChrysler, but to the
consumer. I know for ourselves, we have a
Grand Cherokee that is our only car as of right
now and for a family of five, that's pushing it.
As our second vehicle, it would deffinately be a
Jeep but trying to get five people in a Wrangler
just isn't going to cut it. With this new Rescue,
it would be like fitting everyone in a bigger
Wrangler plus room. We would very much be
interested in looking into the Rescue. Also the
Rescue is not trying to keep up with the
Hummer, it's just adding to it's well deserved
line of great "TRAIL RATED" vehicles to be
above and beyond the competitor.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Rescue Me I would place my order right now if it were available, dang DC do something good for a change its been years since being inovative.....
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: jmr DC, I will place an order right now!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ The TJL is a military design, although the only client that I've heard of so far is the Egyptian military. Jeep has participated in a number of small-platform military evaluations, though. The HWWMV isn't going anywhere. It does what it's designed to do perfectly. However, there is a school of though at the Pentagon that there's a need for smaller light vehicles (as anyone who's driven an H1 or HWWMV can attest, it isn't great on small country roads like those that exist in the Balkans). The Rescue concept won't replace it, but perhaps the TJL can fill a need.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: little no way the rescue is going to replace the hummer or that Jeep is going to get the military sales. AM Gen has contacts for Humvees for ten more years.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Here is my comment Build the Rescue NOW!!! NOW DAMNIT!!!!!!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jon All of your comments are good points. I too heard the idea of Jeep getting back into the military business. Would that be the coolest thing!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: KCarlYJ As Jon said in the previous article, "Hummer's are not vehicles people are going to take off road! They are trendy status symbols." I think Jeep has that advantage of having that 63 year proven off-road heritage. I would buy a Rescue over an H2 in a heartbeat. And as for the H3T, its too bad a Brute type truck was passed up by Jeep.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: JeepMan I am talking about the H1 not the H2
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jeep Dude JeepMan
Whats the big deal on hummers. People pay extra taxes on purchase, registration, fuel etc. to own and drive these vehicles as with any vehicle, therefore, have every right to drive on public roads. I cannot afford a hummer and would not want one if i could but dont look down on the folks that drive one.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Wyatt here is my comment
JeepMan:
I don't want a HUMMER but if other do, more power to them. What are you going to say next? No one should have a house more than 4000 square feet. There are people out there that beleive no one should own a HUMMER. These are the same people that say you shouldn't own a house on more than 1/3 of an acre or you shouldn't be allowed to eat fast food.
I'm tired of people saying what we all can and can't do. Just mind your own f#$%'n business.
The HUMMER is huge and impractical but if you can buy one, go for it. You'll be paying your fair share in gas tax and vehicle tax so why do I care.
People are already saying we shouldn't drive any SUVs. Where does it stop?
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Glenn Put the Rescue into production and I will get in line to buy one.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Wyatt here is my comment
Plus - a big military helps Jeep financially.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Here is my comment WTF people they are talking about the Rescue FOR THE PUBLIC, who the #$%@ cares what it does against the H1 in the military!!!!!!!!!!! JESUS JUST BUILD THE DAMN THING!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Bowser Here is an interesting message that was posted on my website:
"My theory is that Jeep is trying to regain a contract from the military with the new concept. The Rescue is large enough to haul troops, carry gear, and pull heavy equipment; and yet is small and would be quick enough for reconnaissance (which the first jeep was initially designed to do). Also, with excellent approach, departure, and break-over angles the Jeep would be in its element in rock crawling – something that it does better than the Hummer, anyway (should the Jeep replace it). The Jeep would be faster and more agile than it’s counterpart, while the two compare in engine horsepower and torque (the Jeep is rated at 325hp and 600tq, Cummins diesel). Also, consider that the Rescue would be about ½ to 1/3 the price of the Hummer."
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: casatomasa here is my comment
i like it, i like the dakar concept too. i don't know what these people at dc want to hear. all these great concept vehicles of more than capable jeeps, and what have they produced, the liberty.
don't get me wrong there is room in this market for the liberty 'cause my wife bought one, complete with leather! i also belive the public would support a 3row seat jeep capable of pulling a horse trailer. i just want a jeep like my first xj, a nimble critter with a heart of a beast and built like an anvil able to deliver 200,000 miles of trouble free service, and be able to sit in the mall parking in all it's ragged glory not hanging it's head to any suv. what ever it takes please pay honor to the jeep veterans build us our rescue/dakar/wombat9000. there is plenty of room for all the other projects dc wants to build. jeep needs this one to hang it's hat on.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Dave I really miss the CJ I had. It was easy to fix and plenty of room for me, spare parts and a cooler. Tried a TJ, loved it, but the days of travelling light are gone. No room in the TJ for wife, kid, dog, tools, parts and cooler. On the other hand the Hummer and H2 are over sized, over priced and way too damn wide for most trails. Bought a Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 and I love it... sized and priced right... but its no Jeep. If the Rescue becomes available (without all the high tech gizmo's) for $30-38K I would definitely buy one. Hope Jeep makes it available before Land Rover makes a U.S. specifications Land Rover 110... or they'll lose a lot of customers.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: A Concerned Taxpayer JeepMan:
Why do you have your panties in a bunch over the Hummer when its smaller than most RWD passanger vans like the Ford Econoline?
You're just another jackass trying to dictate how everyone else runs their life.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Craftsman Jeepman, chill... its just a car.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jon this is a dicussion board, we are discussing things. Everything affects everything else, so if there are rumors that the military is needing a new vehicle the public could benifit from it. How do you think we ended up with Jeep in the first place. WTF are you thinking!!
|
|
|
|
|
Digg This Story
Save This Page to del.icio.us
