Fully Restored 1986 Jeep Cj7 - Fuel Injected V8, Fiberglass Body, 33" Swampers on 2040-cars

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Stellantis reports $15B profit in first year of merger

FRANKFURT, Germany — Automaker Stellantis said Wednesday that it made 13.4 billion euros ($15.2 billion) in its first year after it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. The earnings nearly tripled profits compared with its pre-merger existence as two separate companies, as the maker of Jeep, Opel and Peugeot vehicles exploited cost efficiencies from combining the businesses. The result compared to a combined 4.79 billion euros for the separate companies in 2020 before the merger, which took effect on Jan. 17, 2021. Revenue for the combined business rose 14%, to 152 billion euros. CEO Carlos Tavares said the results “prove that Stellantis is well positioned to deliver strong performance" and had overcome “intense headwinds” during the year. Automakers have struggled with shortages of key parts such as semiconductor electronic components and rising costs for raw materials as the global rebound from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic brings more demand. The company said the benefits of the merger were worth some 3.2 billion euros during the year. Mergers can lead to streamlined costs as companies combine functions and spread fixed costs over a larger revenue base. The company accelerated its rollout of battery-powered vehicles, with sales of low-emission vehicles reaching 388,000 — an increase of 160%. Stricter environmental regulations in Europe and China are pushing automakers to roll out more electric vehicles with longer range. Stellantis started production of a hydrogen fuel cell commercial van under its Opel brand in December. Stellantis' other brands include Chrysler, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Maserati, Ram and Vauxhall. Related video: Earnings/Financials Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Opel Peugeot Vauxhall

Jeep CEO a fan of pickup redux

The idea of a Jeep pickup is a hardly a new concept. After all, putting a bed on the company's rugged off-roaders goes back to the '40s, not to mention the more recent Cherokee-based Comanche. There's a very slim chance that a truck could return to the lineup down the line if brand CEO Mike Manley gets his wish. "I remain a big fan of a Jeep pickup. I think we have history that says it belongs in our portfolio," Manley said to The Detroit News. However, there's no need to get any hopes up soon, because a truck doesn't get any mention in the brand's five-year plan. That puts the earliest possible introduction around 2019. Even Manley is tempering expectations. "At this moment and time, I have higher priorities. That doesn't mean to say that we don't work on it, we're not looking at it," he said to The Detroit News. The most likely candidate to support a future Jeep truck is the next-gen Wrangler, according to The News. The rest of FCA's pickups and SUVs are running at capacity, which makes slipping in another variant difficult. However, the future Wrangler is heavily rumored to get an expanded production facility in Toledo, OH, which could make things possible. Anonymous FCA insiders confirmed to Autoblog that the next-gen Wrangler would be offered with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 and eight-speed automatic. It's also reportedly using solid axles at the front and rear, a fixed windshield and an aluminum body. That could make for a very fun and practical off-roader. If reading all of this speculation gives you a twinge of deja vu, it should. After the Jeep Gladiator concept (pictured above), there were years of speculation about the brand bringing the pickup back. Even then the plan was for a compact truck to tackle that hole in the segment. It was even believed that the project had a green light for production seemingly with Sergio Marchionne's blessing. Then things were pushed back, and last year, the idea was officially quashed. Related Video:

Jeep's 75th Anniversary Wrangler Salute rolls down the line

UPDATE: The commemorative 75th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler rolled down the assembly line in Toledo, Ohio today. With its roll bar, doors, and rear seat removed, it really does pay fitting tribute to the classic Willy military models of the past. The 419 area code stenciled on the bumper and date on the hood look period appropriate. Well done, Jeep. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when the Jeep Wrangler was born, but the automaker claims the legendary off-roader as we know it today was officially created in 1941. On July 15th of that year, the US Government awarded Willys-Overland with a contract to build the Willys MB, which quickly got the nickname "jeep". To commemorate its 75th anniversary, Jeep has created a WWII-themed Wrangler that pays homage to the Willys MB. The gorgeous concept most likely won't see the road, which is a shame as the rugged one-off yanks at the heartstrings of truck enthusiasts and historians alike. Based on of the current Wrangler Sport, the olive-drab Wrangler 75th Salute concept imitates the original Willys MB to the tee. The concept has no B-pillars, no doors, no roll bars and honors the "function over form" styling of the original military vehicle. The concept rides on 16-inch steel wheels that are wrapped in 32-inch non-directional tires and features vintage-looking hood latches, steel front and rear bumpers with tow hooks, and low back canvas seats. The Salute concept will be built on the same assembly line in Toledo, OH that has produced the Wrangler for decades. In addition to putting out an image of the concept, Jeep also touched on the rich history of the original Willys MB, which you can read below. Related Video: In July 1940, the U.S. military informed automakers that it was looking for a "light reconnaissance vehicle" to replace the Army's motorcycle and modified Ford Model-T vehicles. The Army invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production and developed a lengthy specification list for the vehicle, including a 600-lb. load capacity, wheelbase less than 75 inches, height less than 36 inches, smooth-running engine from 3 to 50 miles per hour, rectangular-shaped body, four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, fold-down windshield, three bucket seats, blackout and driving lights and a gross vehicle weight below 1,300 lbs.