Jeep will reportedly build two car-based vehicles.

[Jeffy]

Jeep will reportedly build two car-based vehicles; both to use Dodge Caliber platform
RICK KRANZ | Automotive News
Posted Date: 6/13/05

DETROIT-- Jeep will introduce two car-based vehicles next year that are expected to generate combined annual sales of 90,000 units.

Jeep has not said what vehicles are planned. But industry sources say Jeep's first car-based models will share a platform with the sleek, front-wheel-drive Dodge Caliber hatchback, which replaces the Dodge Neon. That platform was engineered for awd applications.

The two Jeeps are code-named MK49 and MK74, according to the source.

The MK49 will have awd, sporty styling with a wagon silhouette that is low to the ground. The MK74 will have a taller roofline so it looks more like an SUV, and the wheelbase is expected to be slightly longer.

While the MK49 is expected to be targeted at Forester buyers, the MK74 will be aimed at Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 buyers.

Both vehicles are the first Jeeps not engineered for severe off-road use.

The Jeep vehicles and the Caliber will be produced at DaimlerChrysler's Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant. The Caliber will go into production in March 2006, followed by the MK49 in July and the MK74 in September.

The vehicle platform was co-engineered with Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Once full production is reached in 2007, the industry source expects the Caliber to account for the bulk of Belvidere's production with an estimated 135,000 units annually. The MK74 will have estimated annual production of 45,000 to 50,000 units and the MK49 about 40,000.

Among the names being considered for the Jeep vehicles are Patriot, Scout and Compass.

Last year, Jeep sold 427,239 units with three nameplates, the Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler.

This fall, the Commander will be added. It shares a platform with the Grand Cherokee and offers seven-passenger seating. The Commander is expected to be priced above the Grand Cherokee.

[KS98TJ]

Both vehicles are the first Jeeps not engineered for severe off-road use.

Well, not exactly.  Let's not forget the DJs.  :wink:

[trailblazer95]

funny how the dj's weren't made for offroad use, yet came standard with a D44 rear! they should have saved the 44's for the wranglers and put the D35's in those "non-offroad" vehicles.  

DC should offer a buyback for D35's to be used in these new vehicles.  I'm sure everyone's got one sitting around.  I know I do.  

[Jeffy]

Well technically, the DJ was made by AM General.
Those last three are CJ2A's.  The last two are 2wd versions.

They did  forget the VJ and the FC.

[StefanBidi]

How about the Jeepster?  Is that what the VJ is?  Anyway, they were only 2wd, and definately not made for off-road use.  I almost bought one a few years ago to restore, too.  Too bad it was litterally falling apart.

[Jeffy]

A VJ is a Jeepster.

There are other 2wd's though.  MJ's, XJ's and ZJ's.  I haven't seen a KJ or WJ but I'm sure they are out there too.

[StefanBidi]

I haven't seen a KJ or WJ but I'm sure they are out there too.

Seen both.  Co-workers have them.  You really can't tell they're 2wd unless you look under.  I only found out cause I invited them to go wheeling one of these days and they were like, "I wish, but it's not 4x4."  I'm not sure if they just didn't know it had 4wd or it it really was 2wd.

[sbspence]

AH... the Neon replacement... I think there is a thread with pics somehwere.

 THe DJs are tough little monkeys... they are basically identical to a CJ5 sans the front diff and tfer case.

[roadkill]

I thought that they already had a car based suv.......



















the KJ