Jeep UK decided to expand their sales, so they decided to build a pick-up version of the next-generation Wrangler SUV. It is expected that the pick-up appears on the market in 2018.
Jeep boss, Damien Dally told Autocar:“We are seriously considering that model for the UK. It won’t be big sales numbers but more of a lifestyle model.”
If Jeep pickup reaches the coast of the UK, it will be the first time this kind of body style arrived there from the US.
Although the Crew Chief 715 Kaiser concept has a double-cab design, new Wrangler will feature a single cab. People who drove Kaiser concept are not satisfied with the unwieldy dimensions.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) bought AMC in 1987 and acquired Kaiser at the same time. Ever since then, it has been one of the inactive brands.
It is estimated that Wrangler pickup will improve sales in the UK, whereas FCA increases right-hand drive production at Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio. FCA also invests and develops a new ‘C9’ model which will include many technical enhancements for a Jeep. However, the styling won’t change.
Grand Cherokee will borrow a 3.0-liter VM diesel, but the V4 turbo petrol that produces 300bhp is currently being worked on with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The frame will be made out of steel and it will be covered with aluminum.
The company tries to increase the production of Wrangler from 250,000 to 350,000 by investing another $700 million. Since the lack of right-hand drive vehicles, the sales in the UK are limited to 500 a year.
If Jeep can sell 2000 vehicles per year in the UK by 2024/2024 it would be a significant progress. However, with the Jeep Renegade, which has the same platform as the Fiat 500X, Jeep managed to increase sales in the UK dramatically. Jeep sold 11,000 units in the UK last year, which is more than double than two years ago. This year, Jeep is estimated to sell 13,000 vehicles.
Jeep Renegade is generating 80% of sales in the UK. The main reason for it is that it is not constricted by volume.
2018 Wrangler pickup will hit the market at the same time as the new Land Rover Defender in 2018.
