1988 Grand Wagoneer, 4x4 5.9 Ci V8 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Chrysler accelerates Jeep recall repairs from 2018 to March

You may remember that Jeep's unusual fix for this recall involves fitting a trailer hitch.
The recall of about 1.5 million models of the 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty and 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee over fuel tanks may finish far sooner than originally estimated. In a new filing from Jeep's parent, Chrysler Group, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the company says that it can complete the repairs for the affected vehicles by March 2015, much sooner than the previous estimate of sometime in 2018. Jeep predicts the total cost of the campaign will be around $151 million.

Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup tailgate spied uncovered

Jeep has been particularly good at keeping the upcoming Jeep Wrangler pickup truck, affectionately referred to as Scrambler, under wraps, literally. It's very rare to see any portion of the truck sans bulky black fabric. But this time Jeep slipped up and left the tailgate of the truck totally exposed except for some paint. Not surprisingly, there aren't any spare tire mounts here. Previous photos have shown the spare will be mounted underneath the bed, and we haven't seen any running around with tires on the back. There also aren't any logos stamped into the bed, so presumably Jeep will simply slap badges on the back. The shape is also in keeping with the current Wrangler's design. It's chunky and chiseled, but the edges are softened a bit. It's also less straight-edged than what we've seen in renderings. We're currently expecting the Wrangler pickup to arrive at dealers next year. And now that the last JK Wrangler has been built, the factory should be gearing up for truck production. We know that the truck will feature a longer frame with rear suspension that is similar to the Ram 1500. And like all other Wranglers, the top should be removable. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Jeep Wrangler Scrambler tailgate View 14 Photos Image Credit: Brian Williams Spy Photos Jeep Truck Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler pickup jeep scrambler

Ford extends shutdown, Stellantis confirms layoffs due to chip shortage

Ford and Stellantis this week announced new production cuts due to the global semiconductor shortage, with popular models including the Ford F-150 and Jeep Grand Cherokee facing cuts. Stellantis plans to temporarily lay off workers at one facility as production is curtailed.  According to Automotive News, Ford is extending shutdowns at some of its North American facilities into May. The Blue Oval has been forced to reduce or idle production of both its redesigned F-150 pickup and the popular Explorer due to the chip shortage. The Mustang, Transit, Edge, Lincoln Nautilus and Aviator will also continue to be affected. Stellantis is planning to temporarily lay off workers at a Jeep plant in Detroit during April and May due to a shortage of semiconductor chips. The company will cut two work crews at its Jefferson North plant in Detroit for three weeks starting April 26, then call them back and lay off a third crew from May 17 through the week of May 31, according to a schedule obtained by Bloomberg News. The plant on Detroit’s east side normally operates two shifts with three work crews six days a week to keep it running 20 hours a day. “Stellantis continues to work closely with our suppliers to mitigate the manufacturing impacts caused by the various supply chain issues facing our industry,” company spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said in a statement. “Due to the unprecedented global microchip shortage, Jefferson North will adjust its production schedule through the end of May.” Jefferson North employs about 4,800 hourly workers and makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the top-selling Jeep model last year, and the Dodge Durango SUV. A redesigned version of the Grand Cherokee is scheduled to start production in August, according to researcher AutoForecast Solutions. This article contains reporting from Bloomberg. Plants/Manufacturing Ford Jeep Lincoln Technology chip shortage