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The origins of the Jeep Wave | The Exposition

Jeep culture is tight-knit community of passionate enthusiasts with plenty of interesting stories and traditions, like the Jeep Wave. But how did the Jeep Wave start? Episode 2 of The Exposition looks at some theories behind the origin of this driving ritual. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Get behind the wheel of a Jeep, and you'll hopefully notice the other Jeep owners waving at you as you pass by. It's kind of cool actually, but one thing we couldn't help wonder is, where and how did this wave start? If you've never heard of the Jeep Wave, don't worry, you're not alone. For example, my friend James - that's James. Back in 2013 he bought his first Jeep. Like many new young Jeep owners, he had no idea about the wave. He quickly caught on, though. [00:00:30] So where did it start? Oddly enough, I was only able to find three pretty convincing theories. Theory One - The wave started in WWII as a way for soldiers to acknowledge each other while driving by on patrol. Theory No. 2 - The wave began after the war. Which also makes sense. Since civilian Jeep owners were most likely returning veterans who already appreciated the car, the wave was a way to acknowledge each other's service. [00:01:00] Theory No. 3 is the wave started much later, in the 70s when off-roading really took off. Kind of a way to salute a kindred spirit out looking for adventure. Now, there is an unspoken rule of who waves first. The rule is, the younger Jeep always salutes the older one. Or if you have a stock Jeep you must wave to a modified Jeep first. These are interesting theories, but one thing's for sure, the Jeep wave is a unique tradition. The next time you drive a Jeep, be sure to wave as you pass another by. Related Video: Jeep Automotive History Ownership SUV Off-Road Vehicles Classics Videos

Weekly Recap: Hackers demonstrate auto industry's vulnerability

There's always been a certain risk associated with driving, and this week cyber security came into focus as the latest danger zone when researchers demonstrated how easily they could hack into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee from across the country. The incident raised concerns over the vulnerability of today's cars, many of which double as smartphones and hot spots. During the now-infamous experiment, Chris Valasek and Charlie Miller infiltrated the Jeep's cellular connection and were able to control the infotainment system, brakes, and other functions. The hackers told the Jeep's maker, FCA US, of their findings last year, the company devised a software fix. Though Valesek and Miller hacked a Cherokee (like the one shown above), several FCA products, including recent versions of the Ram, Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Viper were also affected, illustrating potentially wide exposure that could reverberate across the sector. "For the auto industry, this is a very important event and shows that cyber-security protection is needed even sooner than previously planned," Egil Juliussen, senior analyst and research director for IHS Automotive, wrote in a research note. "Five years ago, the auto industry did not consider cyber security as a near-term problem. This view has changed." Hours after the Cherokee hacking incident was publicized on Tuesday, Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) introduced legislation to direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Trade Commission to establish national standards for automotive cyber security. The bill also would require vehicles to have a cyber-rating system to alert consumers how well their cars' privacy and security are defended. "Drivers shouldn't have to choose between being connected and being protected," Markey said in a statement. "We need clear rules of the road that protect cars from hackers and American families from data trackers." Though FCA and its Jeep Cherokee were in the spotlight this time, they were just the latest to showcase how automotive technology has advanced faster than safety and regulatory measures. IHS forecasts 82.5 million cars will be connected to the internet by 2022, which is more than three times today's level. "Cyber-security will become a major challenge for the auto industry and solutions are long overdue," Juliussen said.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer looks like a Grand Cherokee on steroids

It's a special day for Jeep fans. Thanks to the same dealer meeting leak that gave us a look at the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, here is our first glimpse of the new Grand Wagoneer. When it arrives for 2019, this three-row crossover SUV will be the top model in Jeep's range. We knew the Grand Wagoneer would be expensive – Jeep CEO Mike Manley said not to rule out prices upwards of $130,000 for this Range Rover fighter – but now we know it looks like it wants to pick an actual fight with its competitors. What's visible of the front and rear styling is very reminiscent of the current Grand Cherokee, but it's muscled up a bit and gets a set of sinister seven-element headlights. The seven-light theme is carried to the rear as well, and we have a feeling the number is a not-so-subtle reference to the seven-slot grille that all Jeeps wear. That said, here the grille is a short, wide-mouth affair that is a bit of a departure from those of other models. And there's a lot of brightwork in these renderings, not just on the grille but for similar pieces that connect the exhaust tips in the rear and tow-hook surrounds up front. Either by design or engineering, the Grand Wagoneer also looks wider than the two-row Grand Cherokee. The Grand Wagoneer will be about the size of the Dodge Durango three-row crossover and will be based on the platform used by the next-generation Grand Cherokee. The GC and Durango currently share a platform based on one used by Mercedes for its large SUVs, and it is not yet known whether the new Jeeps will use an evolution of that platform or something new. Hemi V8 and diesel and gas V6 engines are the likely powertrain options, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a Hellcat-powered version of this mean-looking luxury SUV at some point. Or at least we can hope. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Dealer Leak Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos Jeep Crossover SUV