It’s been hard to get any information about what’s happening to Jeep in New Zealand, but finally we’ve got confirmation that the brand is alive and well.
It’s part of the offerings of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand, the new national importer that has, for the first time, brought together Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge together under one importer to maximise the strengths of the brands and offer New Zealand consumers a better deal and a better ownership experience.
The new company, which is based at Mt Wellington in Auckland, is a joint venture between New Zealand businessman, Neville Crichton, and Clyde Campbell.
At the same time Jeep has announced that the iconic Wrangler has hit another landmark, with the one-millionth JK model rolling off the assembly line at the Chrysler Group’s Toledo, Ohio, US, assembly complex.
The Jeep Wrangler is the latest spiritual descendant of the original Jeep which was born in the heat of war in 1941, starred in countless films and TV shows and became the original sport-utility vehicle (SUV), representing freedom, authenticity, adventure and passion. From its start, the Jeep brand has continued to stay true to its heritage with a commitment to providing leading off-road capability in all of its vehicles.
In New Zealand the Jeep Wrangler is available in two and four door versions with prices starting at a recommended retail price of $48,990 for the Jeep Wrangler Sport two door and $53,990 for the Jeep Wrangler Sport four door, excluding dealer costs. With a Turbo Diesel engine, the Jeep Wrangler Sport is $53,990 for the two door and $58,990 for the four door. The range topping Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is priced at $57,990 for the two door and $62,990 for the four door variant, excluding dealer costs.
The million Wrangler was a limited edition named after America’s most demanding off-road trail and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition takes its place as the most capable production vehicle from the brand so far.
The limited-production vehicle is loaded with hardcore off-road equipment for its enthusiasts including all-new steel winch-capable bumpers with removable end caps, additional ground clearance, new rock rails and BF Goodrich KM2 Off-road Tires.
The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, with the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee debuting later this year.
