Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Jeep pickup is making a come back!

The highly anticipated wait has come to an end.  Jeep will offer a pickup version of the next Wrangler and it will build the new truck at its Toledo Assembly Complex.  Jeep has been tossing around the pickup idea for several years now.  The last time Jeep sold a pickup truck was in 1992, when the Comanche was discontinued.

But what will the new Jeep look like? 
Prediction of new Jeep Wrangler pickup














It is rumored that the new-generation of Jeep Wrangler will make an appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November along with other new Jeep projects scheduled for 2017-18 release.

The company has not released any details or images of the new Wrangler, but there are several concept versions produced over the years; as well as aftermarket conversion kit available to add a truck bed to the current-generation Jeep Wrangler through Fiat Chrysler’s parts and accessories division. The new pickup is said to make its debut in mid-2018.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will invest $1 Billion to the Toledo, Ohio and Warren, Michigan plants to build three new vehicles. The company said this will also create 2,000 new jobs. The new Wrangler truck production, which are said to go on sale in 2018, will take place in the Toledo plant. The Toledo Assembly Complex is the company’s only source of Jeep Wrangler’s worldwide.  The plant in Warren, Michigan will produce the Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUVs. FCA anticipates completion date for both plants refitting will be 2020.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Truck America

Chevrolet Silverado setting the Guinness world record for the World’s Largest Flag
Pulled by a Moving Vehicle Sept. 2016 (Photo: GM)
It has become increasingly apparent that America is a truck society. The pickup truck has become and American symbol just like apple pie. We can see it just by driving down the road. Trucks are everywhere; the way we transport our goods, our work and even our families. With that in mind, the design, production and sales of light trucks in the U.S. are a major contribution to the U.S. economy.

Seventy percent of freight travels by truck and nearly sixty percent of the light vehicles sold in the U.S., so far this year, are classified as trucks. That would include traditional pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs. Out of the 14.5 million vehicles purchased in America so far this year, pickup trucks alone account for 15.2 percent.

Drivers appeal to trucks for the cargo space, versatility and even stature while in traffic. Consumers may also find truck purchases more justified now due to the current price of gasoline combined with the better fuel economy for these larger vehicles. Whatever the reason, there has been a shift in sales as well as the economy. Passenger car sales fell 15 percent in the last month and truck sales rose 7 percent so far this year.  Big brand automakers are cashing in on this trend by amping up the truck and SUV production in the U.S. and moving the passenger car manufacturing to Mexico and other markets.

According to the Center for Automotive Research, nearly 2 of every 3 vehicles manufactured last year in the U.S., by all automakers in the U.S. or abroad, were classified as light trucks. Also, more than 155,000 U.S. workers are employed in the making of these trucks. In the states where most of the vehicles are produced, truck building is a crucial element in their economies. Additionally, light truck sales make up the foundation for the U.S. auto industry by producing corporate profits used for funding the research and development of all vehicle types.

No doubt about it, America loves their trucks. Pickup work trucks are also more common, not only with smaller businesses, but with fleets as well. At Fleetwest, we provide the economical work truck solutions for the masses. Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and lightweight composite models. All models are 100% transferable from one pickup truck body to another, even fully loaded, in minutes. They universally fit most full size pickup trucks, 8’ and 6.5’ beds, with a no holes drilled installation. That makes it built to last multiple truck cycles and a huge ROI. That is fleet gold right there!




For more information, call a Fleetwest representative today

  Luke Parrott                  Bill Butler
(480) 261-1058          (602) 736-3919

Toll-free in the U.S. at (866)497-7200