We are just days away from getting an official look at the new Toledo built Jeep. The Cherokee SUV makes it's debut in the Big Apple next week.
After years of planning, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be unveiled next Wednesday and the excitement is building from the workers to dealers and potential buyers. The head of Chrysler has called the mid-size SUV a game changer in one of the most important segments of the market.
The name is a nod to Jeep's rich history here in Toledo. Of course, Cherokee was the name of another Toledo built Jeep. The new Cherokee will be unveiled to the world at the New York City Auto Show.
According to Motor Trend, "The bold, mid sized SUV won't be like anything else on the road." Denny Amrhein of Grogan's Towne says there's a lot to like about the SUV,"I think it's phenomenal, the looks, the quality, the gas mileage. It will take us from the level we had with the Liberty to the next level. Especially when it comes to the mileage. We've never had a vehicle that's gotten anywhere close to 30 mpg in a sport utility."
The Cherokee replaces the Liberty. The last Liberty rolled off the lines in Toledo in August. Amrhein expects to see a big bump in sales from the liberty to the Cherokee, "We averaged about 8 Liberty sales a month which was good, but I think we can sell 20-25 Cherokees a month."
Chrysler leaders wouldn't say much about the Cherokee at this year's Detroit Auto show. Jim Morrison is the head of Jeep Brand Product Marketing, "What can you tell me about it? Nothing if I want to keep my job, but I can say that everything we do with it will be true to Jeep."
Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne did give a few hints about the SUV's performance,"I know you won't give us details but what can you tell us about the new Toledo built product? it is the best in that segment of the market. It is the most technologically advanced and we're putting the newest transmission we have in it."
Production is expected to start in late May. Dave Doster of Yark expects to sell dozens of Cherokees a month,"Normally we'll start out with some to show , a small number, and then they'll gradually ramp up production and we'll get a good supply, but that takes time."
Chrysler expects a full inventory of Cherokees to be on dealer lots sometime this Summer. As you may know, the new SUV is creating a second shift at the Toledo Assembly Complex and more than 1,100 new jobs at the plant.
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