Last unit of Jeep JK Wrangler rolled out from Ohio plant

MANILA: Released back in 2006, the JK Jeep Wrangler finally sees the end of its tenure as the new JL Wrangler takes over the baton. This third generation of Wrangler was available in both 2-door and 4-door Unlimited version.

Ever since its launch, the Toledo, Ohio plant of Fiat-Chrysler has manufactured over 2.1 million units of the Jeep Wrangler JK. The last unit of this outgone generation, produced at the mentioned assembly line, was a white-coloured Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. However, this 4-door Rubicon won’t be on sale and would be a part of the show property of the brand.

The third generation Jeep Wrangler JK was one of the most popular models from the company’s gallery and saw the introduction of the new 4-door model which was named as “Unlimited”. Though the 2-door Limited models remained in the good books of many automobile followers and buyers, it was the 4-door trim that made up a chunk of the sales owing to its practicality.

The end of production of the Wrangler JK makes way for the new Jeep Wrangler JL and Wrangler pickup. This new generation first made its public debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and was adorned with many new features and technologies, despite having the original boxy appearance in place.

The new 2018  is 90 kgs lighter than the outgoing model, all thanks to the extensive use of aluminium and high strength steel. Moreover, it will now be available in a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged trim, though the old 3.6-litre V6 option will still be on offer.

Fiat-Chrysler's assembly plant will be restructured for the new generation Jeep Compass JL. The production of the passenger Wrangler will be shifted northwards at the Toledo plant in order to accommodate the production of the Wrangler pickup trucks. This development is a part of the company’s 4.5 billion dollar investment.

The new Jeep Wrangler JL will be available for sale soon, expected this year itself. However, the Philippines launch may take places latest by the first half of 2019.