Jeep Changes its Mind About All-Aluminum Wrangler
In a decision recently made by Fiat-Chrysler, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler will not be getting an all aluminum body. The frame will stay steel while aluminum will be used in other places to keep it weighed down.
Rumors about an all aluminum body frame for the next generation Jeep Wrangler have been circulating for a couple years now.
Putting to rest the rumors was FCA chief, Sergio Marchionne.
“There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum,” Marchionne said. “We’ve run the numbers and we’ve simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost — not just of the material but the actual assembly process — I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close.”
FCA has decided to use aluminum in the hood, doors and fenders.
Like many of the loyal Wrangler fans, Jeep dealerships in Miami are also relieved that the guessing is over and a decision has been reached.
Why Aluminum?
An aluminum alloy frame is lighter and will reduce weight of the Jeep. Aluminum weighs one third of steel yet it is only as third as flexible as steel. This means that while it isn’t as heavy, it would need three times as much in thickness to be able to withstand pressure from any stress.
Factory Stress
The switch to using aluminum would also mean a revamping of the Toledo Jeep Plant as its suited for steel, or it would mean a move altogether. The total costs of either of these situations would be great.
The Ohio Assembly Plant is hoping to take a deep sigh of relief that they won’t be losing their factory or their jobs anytime soon. The Jeep Plant has been putting together open top jeeps since 1941. The fate of this plant is still undecided.
Tried and True
Jeep CEO, Mike Manley, said they’re keeping Wrangler’s body-on-frame construction. As Jeep’s most iconic model, the steadfast fans of the Wrangler are somewhat nervous that production change of even some materials will change the overall performance.
After all, isn’t that reason why we love and buy Jeep Wrangler’s, for their performance?
When Toyota changed production of their very beloved F150 to an all aluminum frame in 2015, it was a gamble. Making it 700lbs lighter with better fuel economy, the risk paid off. Even with such a success story, no one has followed their steps.
While Jeep certainly toyed with the idea to follow suit, they’ve delayed any real dramatic changes, at least for now.
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