Jeep CEO: Wrangler-based pickup at least 4 years away

Earlier this summer, Mopar and Jeep unveiled the JK-8 Independence Wrangler Unlimited conversion package that converts your Wrangler into a pickup truck. But when will Jeep produce a real pickup without the help of Mopar?

According to Jeep CEO Michael Manley, a Wrangler-based pickup truck remains high priority but is at least four years away.

“It is too late in Wrangler’s product cycle to add a pickup,” Manley said. “The 2015 or 2016 time frame makes more sense. That’s when we will refresh the Wrangler.”

However, Manley was quick to say that no final decision has been made as of yet.

Click here for our original post on the Jeep JK-8 Independence Wrangler Unlimited Pickup.

The last time the Jeep brand offered a pickup was in 1986 with the Cherokee-based Comanche. The Jeep Comanche was discontinued in 1992.

In the mean time, Manley said he is tracking sales of a kit offered by Mopar.

“Initial sales projections were not huge because it is an aftermarket product,” he said. To create the pickup, a portion of the Wrangler must be disassembled and fitted with the pickup box and other parts.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek