In response to overwhelming customer demand, DaimlerChrysler Corporation announced today that it will extend production of the current Jeep Cherokee at the Parkway Plant in Toledo, Ohio past the scheduled November, 2000 close of production date. This falls on the heels of record 1999 sales of the Jeep product line.

"We have a unique opportunity to continue production of the current Cherokee while we ready a new plant for production of a future Jeep model," said Martin Levine, Vice President of the Chrysler/Plymouth & Jeep Division. "No other sport-utility vehicle, after 16 years in the market, has had as much staying power as the Jeep Cherokee."

In 1999, Cherokee sales were 165,261, up 13 percent over 1998 figures. "The durable, classic design of the Cherokee has made it a perennial favorite among sport-utility owners all over the world," said Levine. "The Cherokee is our 'gateway' to the Jeep brand."

"Today's announcement demonstrates the company's commitment to the employees at this plant and the Toledo community," said Ed Mercer, Toledo Assembly Plant Manager.

Production for the new Jeep sport-utility vehicle is on schedule to begin in the Spring of 2001. The production extension of the Cherokee will in no way effect the launch of the new model at the new Toledo-North Assembly Plant.

We've already have numerous readers weigh-in on this event - the vast majority seem to think that this is being done not only for the reason mentioned above (rising sales), but also due to the lack of acceptance of the spy shots and rumors about the KJ.

Got an opinion? Give it to us at jeepnews@onetomany.com.