2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited on 2040-cars

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UAW papers reveal release dates for new Dodge, Jeep and Ram models

Documents published by the United Auto Workers union reveal key information about some of the products Dodge, Jeep and Ram will release during the early 2020s. All three brands will try to capitalize on the growing demand for trucks and SUVs in the United States. The agreement between the UAW and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) outlines what the period between 2019 and 2023 will look like from an employee's vantage point. The $4.5 billion factory the automaker is building in Detroit will begin manufacturing a three-row Jeep model in 2020, and it will add the next-generation Grand Cherokee to its roster the following year, according to CarScoops. The new Grand Cherokee will also roll out of the Jefferson North facility that makes the current model scheduled to retire shortly before its successor arrives. The Dodge Durango will continue to be built there, and the UAW papers mention a mild-hybrid variant of the SUV due out before the end of 2020. Two body-on-frame Jeep models tentatively scheduled to revive the heritage-laced Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates will break cover in 2021. They will be built alongside Ram pickups at the Warren Truck plant, and odds are the three models will share several components under the sheetmetal. Adding the two Jeep models is expected to create 1,400 jobs, FCA predicted. Speaking of Ram, the high-performance TRX model (pictured) aimed at the Ford F-150 Raptor's jugular is penciled in for a 2020 launch. The concept that previewed the model made its debut in 2016, so it's reasonable to assume it will have changed considerably by the time it reaches showrooms. It will be based on the newest variant of the 1500, not on the last-generation model still sold as the Classic. What won't change is the supercharged, 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 between its fenders. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler remains on track for a 2020 launch. The Cherokee will continue to come out of Belvedere Assembly in Illinois, but the UAW's documents mention "fresh models / features" off of its unibody platform. Whether that means new trim levels or additional body styles remains to be seen, but it sounds like something new and Cherokee-related is around the corner. The ancient Dodge Journey shares at least one thing with the beater you drove in high school: a four-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is finally on its way out, according to the UAW, and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the entry-level model isn't long for this world, either.

Marchionne may stay with FCA until 2020

We might get to see Sergio Marchionne and his vast array of sweaters in the auto industry for even longer than expected. The FCA CEO suggested last year that he would retire from the automaker when its current five-year plan was complete in 2018. Now, he has tentatively extended that point out to at least 2020. "I can do this for another five years if you push me, right? Beyond that, I ain't gonna do it, and I don't want to," he said to Automotive News. That would give Marchionne a 16-year career at the top from joining Fiat in 2004 to possibly leaving FCA in 2020. Although, take the CEO's statement with a grain of salt because he has made multiple statements about the timing for his retirement. In 2012, Marchionne said he would only remain in charge until 2015, which is, well, now. Those five years might also go quite quickly because Marchionne is a busy guy with the Ferrari IPO, the attempted merger with General Motors, implementing FCA's five-year plan, and many other projects. He's already considering the next CEO, though. "My purpose in life is to find the Kuniskises of the world, the Manleys, the Biglands, the Palmers," Marchionne said to Automotive News, referencing the heads at Dodge, Jeep, FCA North America, and the company's chief financial officer, respectively. "I told them, 'One of you is going to do what I do one day. I don't know who that is, but one of you is going to do it.'" News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Paul Sancya / AP Photo Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep Sergio Marchionne FCA fca us Mike Manley reid bigland tim kuniskis

Jeep celebrates with 75th anniversary editions [w/video]

Jeep is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. That's one heck of a milestone, and it's celebrating with a special edition. Not just one special edition, either. The all-American off-road brand has wheeled out six – one for each model in its lineup. Though the specifications for each of these 75th Anniversary Edition specials differs from model to model, they each feature an available green paintjob, wheels in a low-gloss bronze finish, orange trim, interiors upholstered in a unique mesh fabric, and (of course) special badges inside and out. They also each feature some manner of open-air aperture, from the fully convertible roof on the Wrangler through the fabric roof panel on the Renegade to the more conventional power sunroofs on the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Patriot. The shades of green paint depend on the model. The Compass, Patriot, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee offer Recon Green, the Renegade a brighter Jungle Green, and the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited can be had in Sarge Green. If you don't dig the verde approach, you can still order yours up in a different color. The Wrangler special naturally comes the most prepared for off-road duty, packed with rock-crawling equipment like Dana axles with a choice of axle ratios. For more details, you'll want to delve into the press release below, and for a closer look you can scope them out in the accompanying image gallery and video footage. The 75th Anniversary editions are set to hit dealers within the next few months, with prices starting at $22,475 (plus $995 destination) for the Patriot. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. THE JEEP® BRAND CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF LEGENDARY HISTORY WITH FULL LINEUP OF NEW SPECIAL-EDITION MODELS - New 75th Anniversary models available across entire Jeep® lineup - Special-edition vehicles feature unique available Jeep Green exterior, Satin Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange exterior accents, unique interiors, open-air freedom and 75th Anniversary badging - Available in Jeep dealer showrooms first quarter 2016 January 6, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Born in 1941, the Jeep® brand celebrates 75 years of 4x4 leadership, military history, and open-air freedom and adventure in 2016. As a tribute to this diamond anniversary celebration, Jeep is creating distinctive, 75th Anniversary special-edition models of each vehicle in its lineup.