From a piece on I think it was NBC Nightly News last night, a rep from Cerberus said they had no plans of layoffs, but want to build the product lines and increase technology and engineering. UAW reps believe this is good for them and aren't showing any signs of worrying like they were when it was DCX.
With the integration of product lines like the Compass/Caliber and Liberty/Nitro and coming soon the Grand Cherokee/Durango, only a further push towards cross platforms will emerge. The Jeep brand is a lifestyle product and sells that way with the exception of the Commander and to an extent the GC. Dodge is somewhat a mindset product. You know, my dad drove a Dodge so I drive one kind of thing somewhat. To me it's what I am comfortable in. I've not liked the interiors of GM products except for Saturn for years. I do like the look of Ford products, but because their service depts are generally so busy I've stayed away from them for several years now. When we first bought our KJ back in 2001 I was hooked from there on Jeep/Dodge styling and function.
Dodge has been a small market builder starting with the Viper and then Chrysler's Crossfire. That to me tells me they are willing to build a short run production product such as a Jeep pickup. Obviously Jeep knows that special options that are charged a premium works, look at the Rubicon models. Many owners of these trim models never put it in 4lo, but are willing to pay extra for the name badge and knowing it's there if they need it or want to sell it and get a better return.
If a JT presents itself in the market, my bet is it will have a 4 cylinder diesel of the Bluetech variety since Daimler still has that 20% +/- stake in Chrysler.
Just my take on it all.
Keith
