Wrangler Diesel and Pick Up News

Mike Manley Talks Wrangler Pickup and Diesel For US Markets

In a recent interview with the Toledo Blade Mike Manley discussed the likelyhood of a Wrangler Pickup and possible Wrangler Diesel versions for the US market. A diesel in USA means that the Rubicon is finally eligable to be fitted with this desirable high torque engine. It is hoped that the Pickup gets the go button pressed also as there is a swelling demand for this vehicle. Every time there is a poll or article about these two Wrangler versions enthusiasts go week at the knees and and want to order thier dream Wrangler now.

Mike Manley said "Wrangler is so beloved in the organization that we have a wealth of ideas that continue to bubble up. Some of those ideas have a lot more merit — we've talked about a Wrangler pickup and we've talked about diesel in Wrangler."

If a Wrangler-based pickup is green-lighted, Mr. Manley said there would be room to make it on the Wrangler line in Chrysler's Toledo Assembly complex. "Today, that plant's running two shifts; there are opportunities to add further shifts to that if necessary. The demand isn't there yet," he said.

He said he continues to study a business case for a diesel-engined Wrangler for North America. Thus far, he said, different emissions standards for Europe and North America have kept diesels overseas, even as Jeep enthusiasts in the United States clamor for diesel's higher torque and extended durability in their Wranglers.

He said he hopes a new VM diesel being installed in European-bound (and Australian ed.) Wranglers will meet U.S. standards. "I think what [common emissions standards] gives us in the future, and I'm not suggesting we're there yet, is an economy of scale that we haven't had in the past. If that happens, that helps the overall business case for diesel," Mr. Manley said.

Lets hope the Jeep decision makers get it right this time.