Chrysler Group focuses on a new one-tonne pick-up instead of Wrangler-based ute. A plan to develop a utility version of the Jeep Wrangler appears to have been scrapped in favour of a dedicated one-tonne rival for the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
The Wrangler ute seemed high on the Fiat Chrysler group’s future model agenda when Jeep’s Global Brand President and CEO, Mike Manley, met with Australian motoring press in August.
However, at last week’s local Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 media launch, Fiat Chrysler Group Australia Managing Director Clyde Campbell confirmed the new Wrangler derivative was off the agenda.
“I think the clear decision is that if you are going to have a pick-up it has got to be a metric-tonne pick-up,” Mr Campbell explained. “It’s got to be a beast that ticks a few boxes.”
Jeep does currently offer a ‘JK-8’ utility conversion kit for the current four-door Wrangler, but it is an oddly shaped load space limited to about 800kg, Mr Campbell explained.
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