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2017 Jeep Wrangler to Have ALUMINUM Unibody, Won’t be Made in Toledo

By Ivan Jenic / October 9, 2014 / Cars 1132

All things change over time, and sometimes the change is for the better, however, in car-making industry things rarely change, and when a change happens, it’s usually a big one. Jeep might change the location of manufacture of its Wrangler vehicles in the future.

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For years Jeep’s SUVs have been manufactured in Toledo, Ohio, but this will be changed with the latest model that will be launched in 2017. New SUVs from Jeep is named Wrangler, and this SUV comes with aluminum body which will reduce the body weight of the vehicle and improve mileage.

This is an exciting change, but Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne stated at 2014 Paris Auto Show that new Jeep’s SUV will not be manufactured at Toledo, Ohio.

According to Sergio Marchionne, Toledo facility is the wrong place to build the Wrangler, because the SUV requires a complete reconfiguration of assets that would be cost-prohibitive.

The process would be so expensive that it is impossible to complete it from that facility. While Sergio Marchionne makes some valid points regarding the production of Wrangler, he also stated that local employment at the Toledo facility may not be affected by this decision.

However, not many people are satisfied with the decision to change the manufacturing location of Wrangler. United Auto Workers officials are displeased with this decision, and United Auto Workers Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower stated that they demand to keep the production of Wrangler in Toledo facility.

According to him, they earned that since the Jeeps were manufactured in Toledo since 1941.

It is also worth mentioning that Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne stated at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year that Wrangler will be manufactured at Toledo facility as long as he’s the Chrysler’s chief executive, but for some reason he changed its mind.

Sergio Marchionne made some valid points for his drastic decision, and we hope that he’ll find common ground with United Auto Workers. As for Jeep Wrangler, it should be launched someday in 2017.

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