Already the most capable production vehicle in the world, Jeep® Wrangler is about to deliver even more capability.

• Increased 4x4 capability and protection from the most rugged terrain, courtesy of a front axle upgrade, enhanced off-road rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers
• New 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels, optional body color fender flares and unique red interior accents
• Available in Jeep® showrooms later this month

Already the most capable production vehicle in the world, Jeep® Wrangler is about to deliver even more capability – specifically more protection from the most severe, rugged off-road terrain – with the addition of the new Wrangler Rubicon Recon. Improved off-road prowess is a result of a stronger front axle, enhanced rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers.

“With an array of beefed up off-road components, the new Rubicon Recon provides even more legendary Jeep Wrangler capability,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “With unmatched capability and a unique appearance, Rubicon Recon is the perfect Wrangler for our most loyal, diehard off-road enthusiasts who love to tackle the most demanding trails.”

 

The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition arrives in showrooms later this month at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $39,145 for the two-door model and $42,945 for the Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) model.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition

Based on the Wrangler Rubicon model, the Rubicon Recon Edition ups the off-road ante with a front axle upgrade that features strengthened tubes and heavy-duty end forgings, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road rock rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires. 

It is equipped with Wrangler’s part-time four-wheel-drive system that has electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles with power being sent to each through a Rock-Trac transfer case with a “4-Low” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials. 

With a six-speed manual transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has an impressive crawl ratio of 73.1:1 that makes climbing obstacles easy.  

Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is offered in seven colors:  Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.

Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has many different features that make it distinctive, including a half-inch lift, new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares and a dual-vented Power Dome hood with a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal on both sides.    

A Low Gloss Black grille with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, Low Gloss Black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a red base give the Wrangler Rubicon Recon a toughened exterior look. The steel front bumper features a winch-capable design and removable end caps that help the Wrangler Rubicon Recon climb obstacles without any issues and reduce damage on the trail. 

Red tow hooks in front and back also provide the Rubicon Recon with added protection and help separate it from the rest of the Wrangler lineup.

Inside, the Wrangler Rubicon Recon comes standard with an eight-speaker audio system, black leather heated seats with a “Rubicon” embroidered logo and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red accent stitching. 

Black vinyl-wrapped front door armrest and console lid with black stitching, red accent netting on front and rear door pockets and the center console, and red accent-colored seatbelts help to distinguish the Rubicon Recon from the rest of the Wrangler lineup. A dashboard plaque displays information regarding the front and rear axles, front sway bar, transfer case and tires. 

A Premium Sunrider soft top is standard while a body-color hard top is also available.

A unique gauge cluster features exclusive styling and also features a premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs, such as oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed and individual tire pressure, which are helpful when out on the trail. 

The passenger grab handle features Midnight Star Black accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.

Final design touches include all-weather slush mats with a red accent “Jeep” logo and red accented axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. Jeep’s Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, Satellite Radio, remote starter and auto temperature control are also standard.

USA - Strategic Vision has named four FCA US LLC vehicles to its “Most Loved Vehicles in America”

• Dodge Charger and Durango "most loved" in their respective segments for third consecutive year
• Dodge Challenger captures Specialty Coupe segment
• Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited wins Entry SUV segment in 2016 "Most Loved Vehicles in America" survey by Strategic Vision

Strategic Vision has named four FCA US LLC vehicles to its “Most Loved Vehicles in America” list:

• Dodge Challenger (Specialty coupe)
• Dodge Charger (Full-size car) – third consecutive year
• Dodge Durango (Mid-size SUV) – third consecutive year
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Entry SUV)

“Challenger, Charger, Durango and Wrangler Unlimited are four vehicles that symbolize what drives customer love,” said Christopher Chaney, senior vice president – Strategic Vision. “As segment leaders, they are creating the strongest emotional experiences and giving owners the individuality and pride of top-performing new vehicles.”

Strategic Vision’s research shows that true advocacy and brand loyalty begin not when buyers are simply “satisfied,” but when they truly love their experience. With this in mind, Strategic Vision has created the Customer Love Index (CLI). This metric continues the company’s rich tradition of cutting-edge research, and reveals in their most recent automotive research which vehicles are doing the best at creating love, and shows why they can be more successful than their competition.

Based on Strategic Vision's quantitative New Vehicle Experience Study (NVES) of more than 44,000 owners, the CLI results represent the Most Loved Vehicles in their segments as rated by new vehicle buyers

In its 75-year history, Jeep never has been in better shape than it is right now.

In its 75-year history, Jeep never has been in better shape than it is right now.

The reason? Current owner Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has accomplished what a succession of previous owners only dreamed of: truly globalizing one of the world's most storied automotive brands.

Worldwide, Jeep's deliveries in 2015 topped 1.2 million vehicles, its fourth consecutive record year for global production and sales.

Jeep Renegades are now built in Europe (Italy), South America (Brazil) and Asia (China) for sale in those regional markets. By the end of the year, production of the replacement for the Jeep Compass will begin in Brazil and China, as well as Mexico. Jeep-branded vehicles also will soon begin rolling into India, with local production slated to begin in 2017.

Meanwhile, sales in Jeep's largest and most profitable market, the United States, are up 17 percent through June over record 2015 sales.

Jeep's lineup also is expanding. Brand head Mike Manley said last month that luxury full-size SUVs under the storied Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer names will return with the development of a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2019. On the other end of the size spectrum, a micro-segment Jeep, smaller than the Renegade, is under strong consideration, primarily for markets outside North America. 

Meanwhile, FCA is expanding production capacity of its profit-rich Wrangler by at least 50 percent, allowing the brand to fulfill what it sees as unmet domestic and international demand. The added capacity also will allow for the return of a pickup to the Jeep lineup for the first time since 1996. 

CEO Sergio Marchionne says Jeep is the engine that keeps his company going, no matter how tough the economic circumstances become. 

"One of the things that we've always faced in the United States in the production of Jeeps is to make this unfortunate Sophie's Choice about whether we sell in the U.S. or whether we sell overseas," Marchionne explained this year. "In the last probably three or four years especially, we've been forced to make choices about which markets get allocated product. 

"Even if there were to be a contraction of the U.S. market, there is unexplored potential in terms of outside U.S. markets, especially where we have not established local production," he said. 

"Anything which relates to either a Cherokee or a Grand Cherokee and eventually a Wagoneer or Wrangler will have additional means of expression in international markets."

Larry P. Vellequette

Automotive News Europe

REPORT HERE

USA - Four FCA US LLC vehicles led their respective segments in total quality.

• Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited named best-in-class Entry SUV for third year in a row
• Fiat 500 leads Micro Car segment in total quality for second consecutive year
• Dodge Challenger captures back-to-back wins for total quality in Specialty Coupe segment
• Jeep Grand Cherokee takes home first place in total quality among Mid-Size SUVs
• FIAT ties for title of industry’s best brand for total quality under $26,000

Four FCA US LLC vehicles led their respective segments in total quality and the FIAT brand tied for first among automakers for the best brand with vehicles under $26,000 in Strategic Vision’s 22^nd annual Total Quality Impact™ (TQI).

Four 2016 FCA US vehicles won their respective segments for total quality:

• Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited – Entry SUV
• Fiat 500 – Micro Car
• Dodge Challenger – Specialty Coupe
• Jeep Grand Cherokee – Mid-Size SUV

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited won its segment for the third consecutive year while the Fiat 500 and Dodge Challenger both led their segments for the second year in a row.

 

TQI is based on responses from more than 39,000 owners of new 2016 model year vehicles. The quality study includes more than 155 specific aspects of the customer experience to form a unique and complete measure of the total ownership experience.

 

“We see time and again that for consumers, innovation does more to communicate quality than an absence of problems does,” said Christopher Chaney, Senior Vice President – Strategic Vision. “Whether it comes in the form of breakthrough technology, re-engineering a vehicle or creating a new model, consumers feel the positive impact of bold new directions taken by manufacturers.”

 

According to San Diego-based research firm Strategic Vision, the TQI score is a holistic measure that encompasses positive and negative product experiences. This includes reliability, actual problems, driving excitement and other measures that collectively are energized by the emotional response associated with the aggregate of all those experiences – hence Total Quality.

 

“The future of quality that is meaningful to buyers will reach beyond 'no squeaks and rattles' and reside in the successful deployment of engineering innovation and technology that is relevant, intuitive and impactful,” Chaney said.

Vauxhall adds UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED to popular ADAM range.

• Vauxhall adds UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED to popular ADAM range
• Trim levels combine existing ADAM options for unprecedented levels of personalisation
• Vehicle-integrated wireless charging for mobile devices now available

Vauxhall has updated its popular ADAM range further with the introduction of UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED trim variants. Incorporating options from the existing JAM, GLAM and SLAM models, the new variants will provide drivers with more personalisation options than ever before.

The ADAM UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED allow the customer to personalise their model from all existing:

• Exterior and roof colours
• Wheel sizes and styles
• Interior trims and foils
• Technology options

With all options available in virtually any combination, customers can design an ADAM that is truly personal to them.

Available from £12,260 on-the-road, the ADAM UNLIMITED offers generous levels of standard equipment, including 16-inch Titan triple cross alloy wheels, daytime running lights, cruise control, climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. A leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls and connectivity options including USB and aux-in sockets add to the driver’s comfort and convenience.

Elsewhere in the range, the ADAM ROCKS UNLIMITED is available from £15,875 on-the-road and includes the same level of standard equipment as the ADAM UNLIMITED, plus additional design and convenience features. Externally, ROCKS UNLIMITED adds:

• Anthracite-coloured protective mouldings for wheel arches
• Lower door and side sills
• Anthracite front and rear bumpers with visible underbody protection
• Dark tinted rear windows
• 15mm increased ride height
• Electric folding canvas roof
• Chrome upper side window moulding
• Chrome effect door sill covers
• Chrome isert in door handles
• LED daytime running lights and LED rear tail lights

On the inside, drivers benefit from having improved technology through OnStar, Vauxhall’s innovative personal connectivity and service assistant system that becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices.

Wireless Charging

Vauxhall now offers vehicle-integrated wireless charging in the ADAM range, enabling the driver, or passengers, to recharge a mobile device via an electromagnetic field. Reducing clutter and the need for cables, the user only needs to place the device on the integrated charger and wireless charging will begin immediately.

With wireless charging, Vauxhall OnStar, award-winning IntelliLink infotainment technology, CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection, the ADAM keeps its drivers connected like never before.

“Our IntelliLink infotainment technology made its debut in the ADAM, which is the perfect example of how much technology and individuality can be packed into a small car,” said Ian Mitchell, Vauxhall’s ADAM Brand Manager. “Now with wireless charging as well as Vauxhall OnStar, we are taking our in-car technology to an unprecedented level.”

Wireless charging (also known as inductive charging) uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects via a charging station. Energy is sent through an inductive coupling to an electronic device, which can then use that energy to charge the battery or run the device.

The wireless charger in the ADAM is compatible with the “Qi” and “Powermat” interface standards and it is located in the centre console in front of the gear stick. Drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and, using Bluetooth, can pair their phone to the vehicle to make calls or stream music while the device is safely secured and charging.

Wireless charging is available as an option for £150 on UNLIMITED models only.

USA - Jeep launches Special 75th Anniversary Editions of each of it's models to celebrate the milestone.

• 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

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.

“Jeep vehicles have defined the authentic SUV and set the benchmark for off-road capability and freedom since they were first produced in 1941,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Today, Jeep SUVs continue to deliver 4x4 leadership, as well as fuel efficiency, world-class craftsmanship and premium on-road dynamics.

“In honor of the brand’s 75th anniversary, we have created eye-catching, special-edition models of each vehicle in our lineup that celebrate the unparalleled history of the legendary Jeep brand,” Manley added.

All 75th Anniversary special-edition models will be available in Jeep-exclusive Green exterior paint (Sarge Green, Recon Green or Jungle Green, depending on model), Low Gloss Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange exterior accents, unique interiors, including exclusive seats with embossed 75th Anniversary logo or one-of-a-kind Ombre Mesh fabric, open-air freedom and a 75th Anniversary exterior badge. Each model will be available in Jeep dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2016.

2016 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary edition

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary edition is $34,575 ($38,375 for four-door Unlimited models), plus $995 destination. It is available in Sarge Green, Black, Rhino, Mojave Sand, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. 

Features include:

• 17-inch wheels, front and rear tow hooks, Jeep badge and unique front and rear steel bumpers, all in Low Gloss Bronze
• Body-color grille with Low Gloss Bronze grille throats and headlamp rings
• Power dome hood with functional air vents
• Leather-trimmed heated seats with accent sport mesh inserts and accent stitching
• 75th Anniversary grab handle
• Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires
• Unique off-road rock rails
• Available rear locker
• Jeep Command-Trac 4x4 transfer case with 2.72:1 ratio
• Dana 30 front axle and heavy-duty Dana 44 rear axle
• 3.21 or optional 3.73 axle ratio
• 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with Uconnect handsfree phone and SiriusXM Radio 

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition

The starting U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition is $36,775 for 4x4 models (plus $995 destination). It is available in Recon Green, Brilliant Black, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. 

Features include:

• An all-new, unique front fascia, grille and headlamps
• Exclusive 18- and 20-inch wheels, tow hooks, grille rings, fog lamp bezels, lower fascia applique, roof rail and badges, all in Low Gloss Bronze
• New Gode-Tex seat cloth insert or leather trimmed heated seats with embossed 75th Anniversary logo and Tangerine accent stitching
• Gloss Black painted body accents, Blind-spot Monitoring, power sunroof, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect NAV-ready radio

2016 Jeep Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition

The starting U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition is $29,875 for 4x4 models (plus $995 destination). It is available in Recon Green, Brilliant Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Rhino and Granite Crystal. 

Based on the Cherokee Latitude model, features include:

• New 18-inch wheel, badges and trim accents in Low Gloss Bronze
• New Gode-Tex seat insert cloth with Tangerine accent stitching
• Dual-pane sunroof
• 8.4-inch touchscreen radio 

2016 Jeep Renegade 75th Anniversary edition

The starting U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Renegade 75th Anniversary edition is $25,375 for 4x4 models (plus $995 destination). It is available in Jungle Green, Alpine White, Black, Omaha Orange, Mojave Sand, Glacier Metallic, Granite Crystal and Anvil. 

Based on the Renegade Latitude model, features include:

• New 18-inch wheel, grille surrounds, fog lamp bezels, roof rack, tail lamp applique, rear fascia and tail lamp applique and badges, all in Low Gloss Bronze
• Beats Audio system
• MySky open-air roof system 

2016 Jeep Compass 75th Anniversary edition

The starting U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Compass 75th Anniversary edition is $24,475 for 4x4 models (plus $995 destination). It is available in Recon Green, Black, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. 

Features include:

• 18-inch wheels, roof rails, front fascia applique, rear step pad, badges and tow hooks (4x4 models) in Low Gloss Bronze
• Light Bronze interior bezel paint
• Power sunroof
• Remote start
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission 

2016 Jeep Patriot 75th Anniversary edition

The starting U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Patriot 75th Anniversary edition is $22,475 for 4x4 models (plus $995 destination). It is available in Recon Green, Black, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. 

Based on the Patriot Sport model, features include:

• 17-inch wheels, roof rails, front fascia applique, rear step pad, badges and tow hooks (4x4 models) in Low Gloss Bronze
• Light Bronze interior bezel paint
• Power sunroof
• Remote start
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission