DaimlerChrysler makes an official announcement regarding a stretched version of Jeep Wrangler.
While we've been reporting snipping on this topic for months, there's finally some "official" news regarding the stretched version of the Wrangler. Here's a snippet from The Toledo Blade: DaimlerChrysler AG, in its first official word of its plans, has revealed that it expects to invest $70 million to build "stretch" versions of the Jeep Wrangler at Toledo Jeep Assembly.
A recent application for job-training assistance from the Ohio Department of Development, said the proposed project is to include $26.3 million for building improvements and equipment at the plant and $2 million for training and the vehicle’s launch.
The project is not expected to add jobs at the 4,200-employee Toledo Jeep.
The Blade first reported more than a year ago that Chrysler was studying making Wranglers with a wheelbase longer than the current 93.4 inches and reminiscent of the Jeep Scrambler made from the mid-1970s to mid-1980s.
The vehicle would be made in two versions - one with a back seat and another with a pickup bed - that could be sold to consumers and the military starting next summer, officials from United Auto Workers Local 12 at Toledo Jeep and Jeep car dealers have been told.
A Chrysler spokesman yesterday maintained the automaker’s silence about the project, offering neither a denial nor a confirmation about plans for a stretch Wrangler.
Spokesman Mary Beth Halprin said Chrysler doesn’t comment about future manufacturing strategies or products for competitive reasons. Be sure to check out the entire article.
| 