Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
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Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
RICK KRANZ | Automotive News
Posted Date: 1/18/05
The Chrysler group will develop a business case this year to determine if it makes sense to build a Jeep pickup.
The analysis will center around the Jeep Gladiator concept, an extended cab pickup unveiled last week at the Detroit auto show.
Consumer and press reaction will be gauged at the show, said Eric Ridenour, the Chrysler group's executive vice president of product development. If the response is positive, he said, the next step is to see "how you would do it." As part of the business case, Ridenour said, among the questions asked will be "Does this thing look like something that is worthwhile? Is it consistent with the brand? Does it resonate with the customer? Can we sell it and make a good profit? If all those things hold, we tend to go 'yes.' "
The Gladiator concept is 9.9 inches wider and 38 inches longer than the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Its vehicle platform is not a current one.
The Gladiator concept has an expandable pickup bed. The pickup bed is 4 feet wide and 5 feet, 8 inches long. When open, a midgate door under the rear window expands the cargo space to 6 feet, 8 inches and ultimately to 8 feet, 11 inches with the midgate open into the passenger compartment and the tailgate down.
Speaking of the size of the Gladiator's pickup bed and its expandable qualities, Ridenour said the automaker believes this design would be acceptable to Jeep customers.
"But we are still doing research to make sure," he said. "There are a lot of different trucks in the marketplace, and we think some (beds) are too short." Ridenour did not identify those trucks.
RICK KRANZ | Automotive News
Posted Date: 1/18/05
The Chrysler group will develop a business case this year to determine if it makes sense to build a Jeep pickup.
The analysis will center around the Jeep Gladiator concept, an extended cab pickup unveiled last week at the Detroit auto show.
Consumer and press reaction will be gauged at the show, said Eric Ridenour, the Chrysler group's executive vice president of product development. If the response is positive, he said, the next step is to see "how you would do it." As part of the business case, Ridenour said, among the questions asked will be "Does this thing look like something that is worthwhile? Is it consistent with the brand? Does it resonate with the customer? Can we sell it and make a good profit? If all those things hold, we tend to go 'yes.' "
The Gladiator concept is 9.9 inches wider and 38 inches longer than the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Its vehicle platform is not a current one.
The Gladiator concept has an expandable pickup bed. The pickup bed is 4 feet wide and 5 feet, 8 inches long. When open, a midgate door under the rear window expands the cargo space to 6 feet, 8 inches and ultimately to 8 feet, 11 inches with the midgate open into the passenger compartment and the tailgate down.
Speaking of the size of the Gladiator's pickup bed and its expandable qualities, Ridenour said the automaker believes this design would be acceptable to Jeep customers.
"But we are still doing research to make sure," he said. "There are a lot of different trucks in the marketplace, and we think some (beds) are too short." Ridenour did not identify those trucks.
. Maybe Jeep should look into the extended-wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited hardtop with a small bed like the Hummber SUT in the back. Stylistically, that would look better imo.
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Re: Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
I thought it was a decent concept. They would have a hard time selling it against the Frontier, Dakota and Tacoma though. I would imagine they would have to base it on the Dakota if they actually built it.
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From: Albany, NY
Re: Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
For some reason I really like this truck. I hope if built, it and the '07 wrangler both get the diesel. A pickup geared toward off roading would fit in great at Jeep.
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From: Gretna (Omaha), NE
Re: Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
I like it...
This is why Hummer needs a full size truck! people want something different and Hummer offers that. Some of us need trucks rather than SUVs and we want to have something American thats significantly different from whats currantly offered by the Big 3.
oh, and that little 2' bed they call a truck now is not cutting it... i'm talking a bed at least that same size and a short box Silverado and preferably an 8'.
This is why Hummer needs a full size truck! people want something different and Hummer offers that. Some of us need trucks rather than SUVs and we want to have something American thats significantly different from whats currantly offered by the Big 3.
oh, and that little 2' bed they call a truck now is not cutting it... i'm talking a bed at least that same size and a short box Silverado and preferably an 8'.
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From: Jupiter, FL
Re: Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
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From: Cornelius, NC
Re: Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
It looks cool enough, but I'd rather them build the ****** Concept or the Compass Concept.
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From: Mass
Re: Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator pickup concept
I hope they build it. It looks sick with those bad *** tires on there. It does kinda remind me of some WWII vehicle however. Jeep seems to be the nich off road market and since there are a ton of jeep followers i dont see them really haveing a problem with it. I bet it will sell fairly well. If you think of it a wrangler isnt too practical but people still buy them.
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