Employees celebrate the last Jeep Wrangler JK rolling off the line in Toledo.
Another piece of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. transformation plan fell into place as the last Jeep Wrangler JK rolled off the assembly line in Toledo, Ohio.
The Wrangler JK had been in production for more than 12 years with more than 2.1 million vehicles built. The new version of the Wrangler is already in production in a newer and larger assembly plant nearby that up until last year was used to build the Jeep Liberty and Jeep Cherokee.
The assembly line in the FCA US Toledo Supplier Park where the Wrangler was built will now be used for the all-new Jeep pickup truck, which will launch in the first half of 2019. Sergio Marchionne, FCA CEO, told analysts this week that production of the Jeep pickup will start by the end of 2018.
Toledo Assembly Complex employees marked the occasion by taking pictures with the white 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, which will become one of the Jeep brand’s show properties.
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“This workforce has been working practically non-stop for the past several years to fulfill the dreams of Jeep enthusiasts around the world who want to go where only a Wrangler can take them,” said Chuck Padden, Toledo Assembly Complex manager.
“We take great pride in the role we have played in the history of this vehicle and the impact it has made in the Toledo community. We look forward to bringing that same commitment to the all-new Jeep truck.”
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Since production began in 2006, the Wrangler has been built with the help of suppliers that manage elements of the manufacturing process facilities within the plant “footprint.” FCA US will continue utilizing that same manufacturing system working with supplier partners to produce the new Jeep truck. Kuka and Hyundai Mobis will remain the suppliers for the body and chassis, respectively.
Manufacturing capacity for the new Jeep Truck was created by moving production of the next generation Jeep Wrangler to the north side of the Toledo Assembly Complex as part of a $4.5 billion “industrialization plan” to realign the company’s U.S. manufacturing base to expand the Jeep and Ram brands.
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The company announced plans to build the new Jeep truck in Toledo in January 2017 and Marchionne said this week the industrialization plan is now virtually complete with the recent launches of the new Dodge Ram, Jeep Compass and the new Wrangler and the unfolding preparations for the new Jeep pickup truck.