 2011 Wrangler Spy Pics |
The Toledo Blade, the hometown newspaper for a large number of Jeep assembly workers just posted a couple of pics of the supposed 2011 restyled Wrangler. The pics are claimed to be from within the factory, show a color-matched hardtop roof on a silver Wrangler. From the story:
The photos — which appear to have been taken recently by an employee in Chrysler's Wrangler plant at its Toledo Assembly Complex and posted on a public site accessed by The Blade — would mark the new models' first public appearance.
In its five-year business plan unveiled in November, Chrysler indicated that it intended to mark the Jeep brand's 70th anniversary in 2011 with commemorative models. The company also indicated it would refresh the Wrangler's interior this year, and its exterior in 2011. However, no images of the newly-styled vehicles have been released by the automaker.
UPDATE: Check out some great photos of the 2011 Wrangler interior, courtesy of Allpar.com.
UPDATE 2: Thanks to one of our longtime readers, Mark, for sending us links to the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Fleet Brochure and the Wrangler page on the Chrysler Fleet web site.
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 3rd Annual UFWDA Wheel this August in West Virginia |
3rd Annual United Four Wheel Drive Associations Wheel - at Snowshoe Mountain, WV August 12, 13, and 14.
2 days of guided trailriding at the beautiful Snowshoe Mountain Resort on their private trails and much, much, more!
This is an All Breed 4x4 event. Great trails from mild to wild, so no worries for stock folks, and you experienced folks will have a blast too.
Please visit http://www.ufwda.org/ for more info and to register for this event. Both a link to an enlarged version of the flyer and the link for registration are on the right hand side of the page.
Sign up now, to secure your spot! Be sure to mention that you are with the UFWDA Wheel - In event when you call Snowshoe to reserve your room.
You can keep up to date with the latest details on the UFWDA forum here: http://www.ufwda.org/smf/index.php?board=69.0
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Jeep Trail Edition Camper |
Jeep Trail Edition Camper $10-12K!
For those that love the camper, but not the price, and will not be traversing challenging trails, you can cut that price in half by ordering the Livin'Lite Quicksilver 6.0 --on which this was based...
$10K sure seems excessively steep. Love the camper; hate the pricing. Well, maybe they'll sell 3 or 4 of 'em...who knows...
Anyone got a 20% off MOPAR accessories coupon?! 
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Jeep Tour Visiting Eleven Cities This Summer |
From a Chrysler press release
The Jeep® brand is bringing the "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour," an on- and off-road driving experience, to consumers in at least 11 cities across the country starting July 16 in Syracuse, N.Y.
The tour provides the ultimate on- and off-road driving test for attendees at air shows and auto shows, fairs and festivals all over the country. The program is free to those who pre-register at www.jeep.com/rocksandroadtour and bring a copy of their confirmation receipt. Typically generating an enthusiastic response, early registration is highly encouraged for those interested in attending in order to ensure a quick and seamless entry. The "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" is open to the public and features obstacle courses that demonstrate Jeep Trail Rated® capabilities. Current Jeep owners are extended the opportunity to drive their own vehicle on a Jeep Owner's Playground. The entire Jeep brand lineup, including the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, will be on site to test drive.
"We have created the 'Jeep Rocks & Road Tour' to provide our current and potential customers with an adventurous experience that is exclusive to the Jeep brand," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are partnering with various venues across the country to reach out to our loyal Jeep consumers, while branching out to those with new interest in the one-of-a-kind Jeep brand. This tour provides an ideal venue to experience the countless features and legendary capability offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as the other vehicles in the Jeep brand family."
The "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" courses consist of several obstacles that simulate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before customers get behind the wheel. Courses include elements that demonstrate the Trail Rated capabilities of Jeep vehicles for articulation, ground clearance, maneuverability and traction.
Jeep brand vehicles will be on-hand for participants to drive over a variety of surfaces. Attendees will learn to navigate off-road challenges, such as steep grades, rocky trails and log crossings, under the guidance of a trained instructor.
The "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" features a number of interactive activities, including informative product displays. The family-friendly event offers children the opportunity to take part in the Jeep brand experience as well. Jeep kids can drive "Power Wheels" mini-Jeep vehicles, climb a rock wall and more.
The tour travels cross-country as it kicks off in Syracuse on July 16 and concludes in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 31.
Full schedule after the jump.
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Chrysler Releases Free Jeep TripCast iPhone App |
Chrysler just released a new, free iPhone app aimed at Jeep owners. The Jeep TripCast app is used to track your trips via GPS. It utilizes Google Maps to show you where you are, as well as your previous track.
While free, the app requires a bit of personal information, including your email address, prior to being able to use it. It also prompts you to share your trips with your friends via facebook, twitter, or by searching your contact list (still wondering why the app is free?)
Once you get through the initial setup, the app is actually pretty nice. It allows you to save all your trips and share them with your friends. I've only used it for about 45 minutes total, but I'll definitely be using it more in the next few days to give it a real test drive (pun intended) as well as testing out the scrapbook (photos and videos) functionality.
Excerpts from the press release that accompanied its launch after the jump.
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JPFreek Launches Brand New Content-Driven Website |
(from a JPFreek press release)
JPFreek Adventure Magazine is proud to announce the release of our brand new website. The new website is a first of its kind with content from past issues of JPFreek Adventure Magazine, informative articles within the Jeep and outdoor adventure communities, and interactive capabilities that allow visitors to share and discuss content with fellow enthusiasts.
Additionally, various articles feature informative and entertaining video inserts which add a third dimension to article content. In short, JPFreek’s new website is fun, informative, and we hope you will join and help us build the JPFreek community.
Visit the new JPFreek website today at www.jpfreek.com and if you use Facebook and/or Twitter, become a fan of JPFreek today and show the world you’re a “Jeep Freek!”
 June Jeep Sales Increase Year-Over-Year (Again) |
(from an official press release)
Chrysler Group LLC today reported a U.S. sales increase of 35 percent, versus June 2009, the third consecutive year-over-year percentage sales improvement, and double the industry's average percentage increase.
"This 35 percent increase in year-over-year sales shows that we continue to build on our sales momentum," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer - Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. "Consumer buzz is building tremendously with the arrival of our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee in dealerships now, as well as the continuing accolades for our new Ram Heavy-Duty pickup trucks."
Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for June of 92,482 units, an increase of 35 percent versus June 2009 (68,297 units), even in the face of a softer-than-expected June for the industry.
Jeep Highlights
- Jeep Brand sales (20,731 units) increased 25 percent versus the same time period last year (16,608 units)
- Jeep Brand sales were up more than 9 percent in the second quarter this year, compared with the second quarter of 2009
- Jeep Wrangler sales (8,923 units) improved 86 percent versus June 2009 (4,810 units)
- Jeep Wrangler just received Edmunds' Inside Line 2010 Readers' Most Wanted Award in the "Instant Classic Under $30,000" category
- Jeep Compass sales (1,259 units) increased 30 percent compared with June last year (967 units)
Full sales figures after the jump.
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Edmunds Names 2010 Wrangler "Most Wanted" |
(from the official press release)
The iconic Jeep® Wrangler has captured another prominent accolade, laying claim to the Edmunds' Inside Line 2010 Readers' Most Wanted(SM) Award in the "Instant Classic Under $30,000" category.
In recognizing the Jeep Wrangler, Edmunds' Inside Line called the Jeep Wrangler "one of the few automotive icons in this world. It's stayed true to its heritage and deserves the win, even in this strong, competitive group."
Earlier this year, Jeep Wrangler was named the "Best and Most Significant 4x4 Vehicle of the Decade" by Four Wheeler magazine editors, and the "Best New Car for Off-Roaders" by Cars.com.
"This prestigious award from the readers of Edmunds' Inside Line reinforces the fact that consumers love the Jeep Wrangler," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Wrangler continues to bring a smile to our customers' faces, offering a unique blend of benchmark capability and pure open-air fun and adventure that only Jeep can provide."
 Video: Grand Cherokees on Their Way to Dealers |
Just in case you don't believe the standard press releases, Chrysler backs up their claim that 2011 Grand Cherokees are on their way to dealers with a video.
In Pontiac, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois, caravans of dealers drove away 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees en route to their showrooms where the all-new SUV is now on sale.
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Jeep Head Interested in Pickup Truck Market |
Thanks to Jim from Colorado for giving me a heads-up on this article from pickuptrucks.com regarding a quote from Jeep top-dog Mike Manley:
“That’s a segment that I’m very curious about,” Manley said. “I know it’s had a rough time here in the U.S., but globally it still seems to be an important sector.”
As CEO, Manley has profit and loss responsibility for Jeep’s global portfolio, so he’s driven to make sure everything Jeep does can make money. As a result, he said he ‘s looking for every opportunity to expand the brand, as well as make sure it stays true to Jeep's heritage. But could that mean a pickup?
“I know there’s a lot of elasticity in the Jeep brand globally, so we’re not limiting our search for new-vehicle opportunities or new markets,” Manley said.
Interestingly, when discussing the future of Jeep, Manley was quick to go back to some recent pickup truck concept vehicles, but without calling any of them by name. They’ve kept coming in a steady cadence during the past decade.
Mr. Manley made the comments during a 2011 Grand Cherokee media event last week.
