Jeep launches new 2011 version of iconic Wrangler

19.08.2010 / Auburn Hills, Michigan - Cairo - Dubai /

'Breaking news from Chrysler Group LLC - First images of all-new 2011 Jeep Wrangler released' - That is what Chrysler press release stated today. And it is indeed a 'breaking' news in all means, especially for the 2010 Wrangler owners in Egypt and the Middle East who just bought their Made-in-Egypt Wranglers over the past few months from the Chrysler Egypt dealers and distributors in Egypt.

And it is also a 'breaking' news for the potential Wrangler buyers in Egypt, as they now can expect the 'old-shaped' 2010 Wranglers, which are assembled at the AAV-Chrysler assembly line in Cairo, to receive a big discount since the new-shape has been released. And this discount will be at least 30.000 LE (Egyptian Pounds) or approximately 6.000 US $, just like the discount Chevrolet Egypt granted on the Chevrolet Captiva a few days ago in a wide-spread campaign in Egypt.

So, when will the new-shape 2011 Jeep Wrangler hit the Egyptian roads and showrooms? Well, of course this is a very difficult questions especially since Chrysler Egypt and its PR Agency, Rada Research, concentrate more on the news of other important events, such as the amazingly important Jeep Club or Jeep Off-Road Track, rather then publishing news on the product range and new launches of the Chrysler Group.

And what should the current 2010 Wrangler owners in Egypt do now? Well, more to that later.

Anyway, today the Chrysler Group LLC released images of the new 2011 Jeep?® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep aims to continue refining the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

"The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance."

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941� inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast an all-new, premium, body-color hard top.

Several new Jeep Wrangler colors are available for 2011, including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

Production of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited began earlier this week at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio.

And now most 2010-Wrangler owners in Egypt and the Middle East will not only be very angry and upset because they bought a highly over-priced Made-in-Egypt Wrangler for almost 50.000 US $ (240.000 LE Egyptian Pounds), but many of them are asking themselves what to do now in order to keep their financial damage as low as possible?

Well, the best solution for that 'breaking' news now would be to sell your 2010 Jeep Wrangler as soon as possible, wait a few weeks or months until Chrysler Egypt and AAV (Arab Amercian Vehicles) offer the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler with the new 30.000 LE-discounted (or an even higher discount in order to be able to compete with Nissan X-Trail and Chevrolet Captiva) price and only then you go and buy the 2011 Wrangler.

Oh, and since we are talking about prices: Does any from the gentlemen at Chrysler Group LLC in Detroit have an explanation for us why the Made-in-USA Wrangler costs around 20.000 US$ in the USA while the lower-quality Made-In-Egypt Jeep Wrangler costs almost 50.000 US$ (240.000 LE)?

MS