"Chrysler may be forced to sell its Jeep"

[bnther36]

JP Morgan is predicting bad things for the American Auto Manufacturers; Chrysler being the worst off. Any thoughts as to who might buy Jeep if Chrysler did sell?

hxxp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25514775/

[Luckyduck]

No clue but I doubt it will be a good thing

[Fargo]

Since Chrysler is privately held its hard for analyst to really know what the situation is. Although I would say that Chrysler probably is in the worse shape of the big three. I'm sure there is still a lot of restructuring going on and money is tight. But to look on the positive side, Chrysler has agreed to make minivans for Volkswagon. I'm not sure when the Volkswagon branded minivans will come to market though. Chrysler also has an agreement with Nissan to make the next generation of Nissan Titan. In turn Nissan is going to make a small car for Chrysler. So its not all bad for Chrysler.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/next_gen_nissan_titan_to_get_most_dodge_ram_attrib utes_car_news

[gracemely]

Oh please, oh please. Let's not loose another U.S. icon. After all, Anheuser Busch was shocking enough.

[DeclarationDay]

Originally Posted by Fargo

But to look on the positive side, Chrysler has agreed to make minivans for Volkswagen. I'm not sure when the Volkswagen branded minivans will come to market though.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/next_gen_nissan_titan_to_get_most_dodge_ram_attrib utes_car_news

I first read about those a month ago, and saw one on the road for the first time today.

Re: who will buy Jeep, I can't speculate, but rest assured the Wrangler will live on. I'm sure the same fears existed when AMC was in trouble.

[Unlimited04]

speculation or not, the Nissan/Dodge partnership will vastly improve car engines, and will improve Nissan's appeal with more power and tonage options, including the diesel. In 2011, gas prices will be too high to drive a HEMI V8, and maybe too expensive to drive anything with 19mpg. Clean diesel hybrids and fuel cells are the future....

[xjken99]

I feel like Nissan is as good a prospect as any for buying the entire Chrysler brand. One of my friend who is the sales manager of a Chrysler/Jeep dealership feels that if just the Jeep brand is sold Honda would be a good match. According to him Honda has shown some interest and since they have nothing like it in their lineup it would be good fit.

[Fargo]

Originally Posted by xjken99

I feel like Nissan is as good a prospect as any for buying the entire Chrysler brand. One of my friend who is the sales manager of a Chrysler/Jeep dealership feels that if just the Jeep brand is sold Honda would be a good match. According to him Honda has shown some interest and since they have nothing like it in their lineup it would be good fit.

I would prefer to see Nissan own Jeep than Honda. Honda would scare me to death. They have no concept of niche vehicles. To them everything has to meet the demand of the masses. The Accord used to be a relatively small, fun to drive vehicle. Now its a big bulky appliance that reminds me of my fathers Buicks in the early 90's. Honda used to have fun cars, but fun doesn't sell. Bigger and more practical sells better. If Honda purchased Jeep they would likely drop the SWB Jeep and build the 4 door off of the Ridgeline unibody platform. I love Honda motors but the fun to drive quotient has left their product line.

Nissan on the other hand has a grasp on off roading and how to maintain niche vehicles. They at least have the Xterra (which I think would rival the 4door JK) and over seas they have the Patrol. So I would feel more comfortable with Nissan owning Jeep. I think they would pin it more to rival the Toyata Cruiser with superior offroad ability. Honda would only see city streets and dumb it down for the masses.

[Lifesgoodhere]

OH GOD, I can't imagine what would happen...A Jeep with a Japanese engine....yeah, right. Maybe (probably not) Jeep could go it alone for awhile? That's what Willys-Overland did after WWII, until they were bought out by Kaiser. Maybe then Jeep will go back to its roots, and stop making "cars" made for road use only. Only time will tell.

[SillyPutty]

Originally Posted by Lifesgoodhere

OH GOD, I can't imagine what would happen...A Jeep with a Japanese engine....yeah, right. Maybe (probably not) Jeep could go it alone for awhile? That's what Willys-Overland did after WWII, until they were bought out by Kaiser. Maybe then Jeep will go back to its roots, and stop making "cars" made for road use only. Only time will tell.

Cough Aisin Cough

[Smithy]

Fund raiser for Jeep to become its own company, in return for, say, diesels, a new gladiator, Jeep Rescue, less crappy and big Wrangler, etc?

[jttmf-mo]

Jeep on it's own would be amazing. But what will happen to the Jeep brand when those MPG laws go in effect in a few years? Is it possible to have a Wrangler get a minimum of 20 mpg?

[patricknolan]

Originally Posted by Jeep Guy 712

Jeep on it's own would be amazing. But what will happen to the Jeep brand when those MPG laws go in effect in a few years? Is it possible to have a Wrangler get a minimum of 20 mpg?

4cyl 1.5 to 2 liter super/turbo'd wranglers are an option. i think they would pass over 20 mpg. More efficient engine vs less weight will help. Im sure they can pull tricks to make less weight like having a hard or soft top optional.

[UltimatE]

Originally Posted by SillyPutty

Cough Aisin Cough

x2. AW4 is a VERY solid transmission.

[bnther36]

Originally Posted by jttmf-mo

Jeep on it's own would be amazing. But what will happen to the Jeep brand when those MPG laws go in effect in a few years? Is it possible to have a Wrangler get a minimum of 20 mpg?

I'll bet they'd have to make it smaller than it is now. Aerodynamics would help to, but how to accomplish that while still making it look like a Jeep would be tough.

Does anyone know the difference in size and weight between the original and today's version? (Preferably from someone who owns one.) What was the mileage on the original?