1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande Yj on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Jeep Wrangler to remain in Toledo, get a pickup version

Production of the Jeep Wrangler is staying in Toledo, OH, and it might be getting a pickup in the near future, according to Automotive News. Meanwhile, Cherokee production is leaving Ohio. The announcement was reportedly made to plant management earlier today. "We found a solution that accommodates a variety of other interests to us because of the way in which we can move some product around," CEO Sergio Marchionne said to Automotive News. A Jeep spokesman declined to comment to Autoblog. Right now the official details about FCA's production plans are still hazy. However, an official announcement is expected when the automaker has a deal with the UAW, which could be by Sept. 14. According to insiders speaking to AN, the Wrangler pickup would join the lineup in 2017 or 2018. While losing the Cherokee doesn't help the Toledo factory, the new pickup should take up some of the slack. It also keeps Wrangler production going in Ohio until the next-generation model launches in 2018. The Cherokee is expected to move to the Sterling Heights Assembly plant in Michigan or Belvidere Assembly in Illinois because they build vehicles on the same platform, AN reports. The future of Wrangler production has been a hot topic at the Toledo plant for the entire year. There was initial speculation that model might leave the factory if it moved to an aluminum body. However, the latest reports offered some hope of the Jeep remaining there. Last week, Autoblog's sources at FCA also said that the Wrangler pickup was coming but couldn't confirm a timeframe. Related Video:

Jeep recalls 228k Cherokees over airbag deployment fears

Jeep is recalling an estimated 228,181 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee worldwide because the airbags can inadvertently deploy in some situations. Specifically, the campaign covers 168,092 vehicles in the US, 19,557 in Canada, 4,133 in Mexico and 36,399 outside of North America. According to Jeep, the problem occurs when drivers execute extremely hard handling maneuvers and upset the vehicle's balance, which causes the side-curtain and seat-mounted side airbags to deploy. "The air-bag systems, sensing potential rollovers, automatically activated," according to the automaker's announcement. While this occurred in "a small number" of cases, according to Jeep, the problem caused no reported injuries or accidents. To fix the fault, the company will issue a software update to recalibrate the bags' deployment. Statement: Restraint-System Software Upgrade February 2, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is launching a global recall of an estimated 228,181 SUVs to upgrade software governing side-curtain and seat-mounted side air bags. The action follows an investigation by FCA US engineers after a small number of inadvertent deployments involving drivers who executed extreme maneuvers. These maneuvers dramatically changed the vehicles' angle of operation, relative to the ground. The air-bag systems, sensing potential rollovers, automatically activated. FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The software upgrade will recalibrate the threshold for deployment and the vehicles will remain compliant with all applicable safety regulations. Affected are certain 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokees. Estimated volumes by market are as follows: 168,092 in the U.S.; 19,557 in Canada; 4,133 in Mexico and 36,399 outside the NAFTA region. The Company will notify affected customers. Software will be available at that time. Customers with additional concerns or questions may call 1-800-853-1403. Featured Gallery 2015 Jeep Cherokee View 41 Photos News Source: FCA USImage Credit: Jeep Recalls Jeep Safety Crossover

Jeep follows up Super Bowl spot with call to help the USO

Once again, Chrysler had one of the most talked about Super Bowl commercials with its two-minute Whole Again Jeep spot, which was used to highlight its Operation SAFE Return program for US military personnel returning home from active duty. As part of this campaign, Jeep announced today that it will be donating up to $300,000 to the United Services Organizations (USO), and you can help.
Simply tweet using the #joinOSR hashtag on Twitter, visit the Yahoo! homepage or go to the Jeep Operation SAFE Return website, and Jeep will donate $1 to a fund that provides returning troops things like employment assistance and incentives to buy new vehicles. Jeep is also donating to this charity to the tune of $250 for each Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (including the Freedom Edition model) and Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition model sold.