JTman
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #16
Very good point. And Mercedes can err on the side of making their pickup a bit too "truck like" if they wanted to because they don't have to worry about stepping on the toes with a related truck brand like FCA has to worry about Jeep pickup overlapping with RAM trucks.Good Evening Everyone,
I just wanted to chime in on this topic because I too am anxiously awaiting the JT(pickup) and I hope I'm not disappointed. Personally I'm hoping for a manual transmission with a diesel engine and minimal options (I know dreaming right). As much as it would be great to have a Wrangler that has a high towing capacity FCA is probably looking for the fine line of max towing without sacrificing off road ability (for reasons stated by previous posters).
Recently Mercedes announced they would be selling a truck but the MB rep said it well by stating something along the lines of " We are building a truck for Mercedes people not a Mercedes for Truck people". I imagine FCA operating within these guidelines since the wrangler defines jeep as brand they must make a Wrangler first and foremost.
Also FCA has been working hard at establishing brand identity with minimal overlap so think Dodge sporty high HP vehicles, Chrysler family cars, RAM trucks, Jeep off road capable SUVs. This is one reason that they stopped the namesake dodge caravan and would rather you go to the RAM lineup if you need a true truck.
I hope for the sake of the car industry that this truck sales boom and proliferation of new models doesn't end up hurting them if/when gas prices go up. The recent low gas prices has definitely helped SUV, truck and Jeep sales.With all that said, the small / midsize truck market is about to explode with the new Honda Ridgeline, the Ford Ranger coming back etc. AND The trucks already in the segment, Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon in certain configurations can tow 7000 lbs. It will be hard to tell what the Jeep will be capable of until we know the exact wheel base and overall dimensions but with a little luck hopefully will see a the JT as a real contender because there is money to be made if FCA designs it correctly.
A little long winded for my first post but I'm passionate about jeeps so please forgive me !
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