1997 Jeep Wrangler on 2040-cars

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Fiat 500X poised for Paris catwalk

We've known for some time that the new, Fiat-based baby Jeep (which may or may not be called the Jeepster) is set to arrive at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. What we weren't sure of was whether its platform mate, the so-called Fiat 500X, would be doing so alongside or at a later date. Well, according to Reuters, we'll get to see the first all-wheel-drive 500 later this year in the City of Lights.
Yes, we can expect the 500X to arrive at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, according to an official with an Italian trade union. The unnamed source cited retooling at Fiat's Melfi factory, in southern Italy, which currently produces the Grande Punto. It's expected that the newest member of the growing 500 family will replace the Suzuki SX4-based Fiat Sedici, although when the X will go on sale remains an open question.
According to Reuters, both the Jeepster and 500X will be built alongside each other in Italy. Whether the 500X will cross the pond with it's slat-grilled cousin, though, remains to be seen (we're leaning towards yes).

Jeep Wrangler diesel likely after 2015 model refresh

We automotive journalists aren't always the right people to ask about whether a US-spec vehicle should or should not be offered with a diesel powertrain (hint: the answer is usually "YES"). But when it comes to the iconic, off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler, we aren't the only ones who have been clamoring for an oil-burning engine behind that famous seven-slat grille. To that end, it appears there's good news on the horizon, as Jeep CEO Mike Manley recently told Ward's Auto that the "Wrangler is on the radar to get (a) diesel."
"I'm confident that the Grand Cherokee will show just how large a demand there is for diesel, and I think what that will do is reinforce the need for us to target Wrangler as a vehicle that can take a diesel," Manley told Ward's. The most rugged of Jeeps is scheduled to get an overhaul around 2015-16, and the diesel powertrain will likely be introduced around that time.
This year alone, Chrysler will be adding a diesel engine to the Grand Cherokee SUV, as well as the Ram 1500 pickup and Promaster utility van.

Jeep Super Bowl commercial nets criticism from fish conservationists [Update]

Update. FCA got back to us with the following statement: "The Jeep brand and FCA cooperate with federal/state/local governments and organizations, including Tread Lightly and Access Fund, around the world to help ensure that its vehicles are being utilized in a legal and responsible manner, and follow those guidelines when demonstrating their off-road capabilities. Ecological assessments are made and considered when the Jeep brand conducts demonstrations of a vehicle's off-roading capabilities. The vehicle shown in this video is driving on a designated county road that experiences seasonal runoff and its performance capabilities are authentically portrayed consistent with the Jeep brand philosophy. Other examples of how Jeep demonstrates vehicle capabilities take place at the brand's Camp Jeep activities at auto shows and experiential events." The Super Bowl is always packed to the brim with various car commercials. FCA in particular had a big showing this year with ads from both Ram and Jeep. It's the latter that seems to have drawn the ire of some organizations, particularly one where a new Jeep Cherokee drove up a stream in a commercial called "The Road." Trout Unlimited, a freshwater conservation organization, has criticized FCA for encouraging driving that might endanger fish habitats. Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood sent a letter to FCA chief Sergio Marchionne, calling the commercial "wrongheaded" and that Jeep got some "bad marketing advice on this one." Wood says many of Trout Unlimited's members are Jeep owners and that he previously owned a Jeep CJ7 that he took all over Vermont. He says that he took it off-roading, though he never drove right up the middle of a stream. We're waiting on a comment from Jeep, but MSN reports that the automaker is defending the ads — though there aren't plans to run them again. Trout Unlimited says driving up and damaging streams can destroy the gravel where fish lay eggs. Either way, off-roaders should always be mindful of their surroundings so they don't destroy the land or sink their vehicles after, say, breaking through the ice on a frozen lake. Related Video: