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Jeep Wrangler's shift to aluminum could see production leave Toledo

The Jeep Wrangler may be a timeless design, but sooner or later, time will run out and Chrysler will have to replace it with a newer model more friendly towards the earth it's designed to traverse. That will, it seems, mean a shift to aluminum construction (whether just for the body or for the entire structure) - but what will that mean for the Wrangler's long-time home of Toledo, OH?
According to the latest pronouncements from Fiat Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne, the shift to an aluminum Wrangler would likely mean moving production out of Toledo. "If the solution is aluminum," Marchionne told Automotive News, "then I think unfortunately Toledo is the wrong place, the wrong setup to try and build a Wrangler, because it requires a complete reconfiguring of the assets that would be cost-prohibitive."
Marchionne also indicated that, were Wrangler production to move elsewhere, it would find another line to take its place in Ohio. "One of the thing that we are dealing with now is what else we do with Toledo that fulfills our commitment to the city and to Ohio. I don't have a doubt that there will be zero impact on head count and employment levels and anything else." Jeep has built the Wrangler in Toledo since World War II, with the exception of six years starting in 1986 when it was built in Brampton, Ontario. The complex dates back to 1910 and currently produces the Wrangler and Cherokee. Past products have included the Wagoneer and Commanche as well as the Dodge Dakota and Nitro.

The fascinating history of the Popemobile

Pope Francis will be arriving today in the US for a variety of stops, including the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA. While here, the Pontiff won't be riding in the usual Mercedes-Benz Popemobile, but instead will make a more American switch to a modified Jeep Wrangler, according to the Washington Post. It'll feature a protected front, top, and rear, but the sides will be open for His Holiness to see the throngs of people gathering for him. For hundreds of years, Popes were transported in horse-drawn carriages or sometimes carried in an enclosed chair by footmen, but His Holiness finally traded for some real horsepower in 1929. While his ride sometimes varied depending on the country being visited, a Mercedes-Benz was generally the common choice. However, the Pontiffs have ridden in everything from a modified GMC Sierra to a Ferrari Mondial over the past few decades. Pope Francis has definitely preferred more plebeian transportation, though, including a Renault 4 running on biofuel. A trip to South Korea even put him in a Kia Soul, and he opted for an Isuzu D-Max in the Philippines. The Post's whole list is quite a fun read, and it's fascinating to see how the Popemobiles evolve over time. Related Video:

Jeep Wrangler Red Rock concept brings Moab to SEMA

Among the concepts that FCA is showcasing at SEMA this year, the Jeep Wrangler Red Rock concept has been decked out with accessories from both the Mopar and Jeep catalogs. The concept is based on the existing Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock edition, but has been taken even further in for this show truck. It pays tribute to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club and the Easter Jeep Safari it hosts every year in Moab, UT. The Red Rock concept rides on a 2-inch lift kit with 17-inch beadlock wheels shod with 35-inch all-terrain tires. It also has differential covers, a reinforced swing gate and wheel mount, a power winch, LED headlamps and fog lights, and an onboard CB radio. To help it crawl those rocks, it boasts electronic locking differentials, a Rock-Trac transfer case, and Dana 44 solid axles front and rear. Visually setting this concept apart are such special touches as a power-dome hood, red tow hooks front and rear, new rock rails, a color-keyed grille with low-gloss inserts, low-gloss bumpers, and of course the requisite special badging. Inside it's been done up in brown leather with silver accents and a special grab-handle plaque. This particular version will remain a showpiece only. So if you want to see it, you'll have to head to the show floor in Vegas this week. However Jeep is committed to undertaking a production run of 50 examples with many of the same special touches to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Easter Jeep Safari next year. Related Video: Jeep® and Mopar Introduce Wrangler Red Rock Concept at SEMA Show - New Wrangler Concept features array of Mopar and Jeep® Performance Parts - A serialized 50-unit special-edition production Wrangler – inspired by the Red Rock Concept – will be built as a tribute to the upcoming 50th Moab Easter Jeep Safari - Based on Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock edition - Wrangler Red Rock Concept features Amaretto Brown Katzkin leather seats with silver accent stitching and a "Red Rock" embroidered seat back logo - Aftermarket Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift, 35-inch BFG K02 all-terrain tires, commemorative Red Rock appearance package give Jeep Wrangler Red Rock Concept a unique and rugged presence November 3, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Jeep® and Mopar have teamed up to create the Wrangler Red Rock Concept vehicle that will be showcased at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas.