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FCA plants skipping summer shutdown to keep up with demand

Hopefully, some FCA US factory employees don't have big plans for the usual summer shutdown, because the automaker is keeping several plants running this year. Demand is so high that the company wants to keep models rolling off the assembly lines. Four FCA US assembly plants, all the engine factories, and some locations that build transmissions are staying open throughout the summer, according to the Detroit Free Press. Usually, these sites would see a two-week shutdown for the company to retool and perform repairs. This year, factories are staying open for FCA to support its strong sales. The lines that remaining humming through the summer show an inclination toward the automaker's popular SUV's and crossovers. They include the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Michigan that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; Saltillo Van Assembly in Mexico that constructs the Ram ProMaster; Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio that produces the Cherokee and Wrangler; and Toluca Assembly in Mexico that makes the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA dodge journey fca us ram promaster Jefferson North Assembly Plant

Petrolicious profiles an heirloom Willys Jeep CJ-3B

Things tend to move pretty quickly in the automotive industry, but some icons that endure. Most of them are off-roaders – the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G-Wagen, and of course the Jeep Wrangler. The latter traces its roots, of course, to the CJ-model Willys Jeep, built for civilian use in the wake of World War Two where it cut its teeth on the shores of Normandy and kicking off a legend that still endures over half a century later. For its latest video, Petrolicious profiles one such off-roader, and the man who owns it. That man is Larry Shank from California, and his ride is a 1953 Willys Jeep CJ-3B hooked up to a 1947 Ken-Skill Kustom Kamper Model 10. Both belonged to his father before him, and they would take family vacations in the wheeled pair from when he was young. His dad taught him to drive and maintain it, and they bonded over the shared experience. Shank still enjoys driving down the dirt roads and off the beaten paths of the American Southwest, and to hear him speak of it, he wouldn't trade in his Jeep for anything in the world. Watch his story unfold in the eight-minute video clip above to see what an enduring icon looks like. News Source: Petrolicious via YouTube Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles Classics Videos petrolicious willys

LA-bound 2014 Jeep Wrangler special edition gives us the Willys for $25,795

The Jeep Wrangler might be the reigning king of special editions, but with sales records being broken almost all year, this plan is obviously resonating with buyers. Joining new models like the Dragon Edition and Polar Edition, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler is adding a new Willys Wheeler Edition to pay homage to Jeep's military heritage.
Getting ready for its big debut at the LA Auto Show, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is inspired by early Willys CJ (Civilian Jeep) models with exclusive styling and upgraded off-road goodies. Starting with a Wrangler Sport, these upgrades include a Dana 44 rear axle with limited-slip differential and 3.73 gears, along with meaty BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain tires mounted to the Willys Wheeler's black 17-inch wheels. For more of a classic Jeep look, this model adds a gloss black grille, "Willys" hood stickers and rock rails to protect the side sills. Jeep is also tossing in a D-ring, tow strap and gloves that are all kept in a special carrying bag.
When it goes on sale early next year, the Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition will start at $25,795 for the two-door model, while the four-door will start at $29,595. There's an official press release posted below, and we'll be sure to have live images of the special-edition Wrangler live from the LA Auto Show floor later this week, so stay close.