2014 Grand Cherokee To Come Early

Media reports are indicating that the upcoming 2013 Model Year Grand Cherokee which goes into production in August and should arrive here late in the year, will be a short production run due to Jeep wanting to get the 2014 upgrades out sooner. The 2013 model has minimal changes and will be replaced with a more refreshed 2014 model early in 2013. That sounds weird but thats how they do things in America.
"The biggest change for 2014 will be the availability of a 3.0-liter diesel V6 for US markets, which we already have in Australia. Additionally, Automotive News reports that a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is on deck for 2014. Details are scarce right now, but this transmission will likely be paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, just like in the 2013 Ram 1500 and the current Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
The 2014 Grand Cherokee is slated to debut in January, likely at the Detroit Auto Show, with sales to start shortly thereafter"
Sales of the Australian Grand Cherokee are still going strong with Diesel Laredo and Overland models still in strong demand. Some dealers have a few Diesel Limited models so hunt around for a deal on one of those if you dont want to wait 'till end of year. Even some of the 3.6L V6 Pentastar versions are sold out 'till end of year.

source - Autoblog

Victoria's Mount Terrible Hut Vandalised Again -

MT TERRIBLE HUT VANDALISED AGAIN.
The Victorian High Country Huts Association who do a fantastic job in repairing and maintaining the huts through out the Victorian high country have reported that the Mount Terrible Hut near Jamieson has again been damaged by irresponsible vandals.

The hut which was just recently repaired was vandalised again over the recent long weekend in June. The verandah posts were pulled out and collapsed the roof. The Association and the members of the Yarra Valley 4WD Club who worked on this hut are very disappointed.

Visit their website or show your support on their FACEBOOK

End of KK Cherokee Nears!

The current Jeep KK Cherokee {Liberty in USA) is soon to cease production.
The last KK will be built in August and the Toledo, Ohio plant that makes the KK will shut down for major upgrades and re-tooling for the new model Jeep SUV that will replace it next year.
The new SUV (yet to be officially named) is rumoured to be named Cherokee rather than Liberty and is to be built on a new platform sourced from Fiat/Alfa Romeo. The new model will be built in both a two wheel drive and four wheel drive variant and will get a 3.2L version of the Pentastar V6 as well as 4 cylinder petrol and turbo diesel export versions. It is expected to be previewed at the North American Auto Show in Detroit in January and will go into production around March/April 2013. Australia wont see it until late 2013 at the earliest. The current Australian  KK Cherokee Stocks will be run down and will run dry before the new car arrives.

The KK has a disappointing sales record in Australia and has lagged behind the market being an older design and loosing its traditional 4WD market due to lack of 4WD accessories, low ground clearance and small luggage space in the rear. The better performing and more economical CRD Diesel was badly effected by Jeeps decision to lower the tow rating from the KJ CRD's 2800 KG to just 2300 KG and has only been available in limited numbers. The old 3.7L Petrol V6 is also known as a fuel guzzler. Lets hope the new car will have better 4WD and towing ability and more room for all your camping gear in the rear.

WRANGLER FOR 2013 - SPECIFICATION UPDATE

Unconfirmed details of 2013 Wrangler specification changes are starting to appear in the US. Australian models differ from the US models and the only changes likely to effect Australian buyers are revised seat design for additional comfort and use of new materials, a new design premium soft top for 4 door models, colour and design changes to the alloy wheels and a new body paint palette.
It appears some familiar colors are going to disappear - Flame Red, Bright Silver, Black Forest Green and Cosmos Blue are expected to go. New colours for Australia could include True Blue, Commando Green pearl, Dune, Rock Lobster, Billet metallic and Rugged Brown some of which will be late availability.
Gecko, Dozer, Black, Bright White, Crush, and Deep Cherry Red Pearl will continue but expect some colours to be discontinued as some of the new ones become available.

We will detail any other changes that may be made to Australian Wranglers as word comes through.
Sources include  Allpar.com

4,500 Tasmanian 4WD'ers Hold Protest Rally Against Track Closures

Tasmanian Four Wheel Drivers have held a massive protest rally in Smithton on 20th May against the Tasmanian Government's closure of popular 4WD tracks in the Arthur Pieman area of the west coast. Over 4,500 people attended to protest against minority green groups who want to lock up areas used by recreational 4WDer's.
The protest and lack of a positive reaction from the Tasmanian Government has sparked outrage from 4WD'ers on the mainland and has prompted National 4WD magazine "Australian 4WD Action' to take up the cause.
If Australian 4 Wheel Drive owners sit back and do nothing the green groups will get their way and your popular tracks and 4 WD trails will be locked up forever. You all need to act NOW! Show your support to keep your recreation alive. Visit the Australian 4WD Action website and show your support. Dont leave our Tasmanian friends down! Your favourite tracks could be next!

Four Wheel Drive Australia - supposedly the national body for Four Wheel Drivers seems to be asleep at the wheel. No mention of the Tasmanian protest on their website, just the usual dribble about the Canning Stock Route etc. Other state organisations seem oblivious also, hence the cause being taken up by Australian 4WD Action Magazine.
CHECK OUT 4WD Tasmania Website Here

CHECK OUT Australian 4WD Action Magazine Here