Jeep's CEO Wants A Pickup, But Does Chrysler?

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

June 24, 2011

If there is one question that reporters ask Chrysler every single time, it would be this: When is Jeep going to build another pickup truck? The last pickup Jeep built was the Comanche from 1986 - 1992. Since then, people have clamoring Jeep for another pickup.

Now, Jeep CEO, Mike Manley wants a pickup truck for the brand. Speaking with reporters, Manley said he is "incredibly interested" in a pickup.

“There’s clear interest in the U.S. for a pickup. It could [also] give us potential for some of our international markets even though the pickup market is slightly different outside of the U.S.”

But Manley says a Jeep pickup could be awhile,

“One of the things as a company that we’ve had to be very disciplined in is where we’re putting our resources. We’re still in recovery mode and have to be very careful with our investments. We have so much going on. Our resources are fully dedicated to small vehicles, [new transmissions] and working with Fiat. There are none left to work on the Jeep pickup [at this time].”

Manley also brought up Chrysler and trying to make a case for a Jeep pickup,

“There’s an opportunity but whether the business case makes sense or not is the issue. Mainly because of manufacturing location and [import/export] duties around the world.”

Manley did say the Jeep pickup remains a personal priority.

Source: PickupTrucks.com

Here's a crazy idea: ask the question "does the customer?" I'm thinking they could sell quite a few, especially if they size it right.

Not everyone will want the upcoming Rampage pickup minivan. I think the Ridgeline has shown such a truck is something of a niche product. A true compact truck with serious capabilities will be something buyers will clamor for so why not let Jeep step up to the plate again for such a product?

I have a soft spot for the Commando, Comanche, Scrambler, and the recent Gladiator concept and a true production successor to those trucks would be a welcome sight.

Plus it should be uber cheap to develop and manufacture alongside the Wrangler as a niche product, so it wouldn't even have to sell in huge numbers to turn a profit. It could probably run the same wheelbase as the 4dr Wrangler.

I guarantee you Jeep's CEO is not the only one who wants a Jeep pickup.