Jeep Wrangler Needs More Engines, Transmissions: CEO
The Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Grand Caravan won’t stack up to increasingly stringent fuel consumption standards and will need an overhaul soon.
“We need to roll up our sleeves and get it done,” said Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne today during an analyst call. There haven’t been any major changes to Chrysler’s planned product rollout through 2016, although Marchionne said the brand may be “rejigging the timing” of when certain products are release.
SEE ALSO: Jeep Wrangler Diesel Likely After Refresh in 2015
“I think on the Wrangler side, we need to allow for the applications of new engines and new transmissions,” he said. He didn’t offer details on what powertrain changes to expect, but Jeep CEO Mike Manley said in late February that the Wrangler is “on the radar” to get a diesel engine.
A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment on engine and transmission possibilities, citing a company policy not to discuss future products.
The Grand Cherokee is offered with a 3.0-liter diesel engine for the 2014 model year and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Marchionne said changes to the Wrangler won’t be coming until after the 2014 model year, and that the company intends to do so without shutting down the Toledo assembly plant.
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
More by Luke Vandezande
Comments
Join the conversation
392 Hemi would be nice.
well it is European diesel on sale but a better one with 9 speed we like on this side of ocean, Thank you better last than never LOIS