The Jeep Wrangler Works Hard to Reduce its Environmental Footprint

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) continues on its quest to reduce its environmental footprint by monitoring and reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles. The automaker just completed its latest Global Warming Potential (GWP) analysis and it turns out the latest-generation Jeep Wrangler is the real winner here. When compared to the previous-generation Wrangler model, the all-new and redesigned Wrangler measured a GWP that’s 15 percent lower. “This is the outcome we expect when we launch a new vehicle. In all our processes, the mitigation of environmental impact is a baked-in consideration,” said Mitch Clauw, FCA Vice President and Head of Global Pre-Programs and Program Management.

You might be wondering how GWP is calculated and we’ve got just the answer. It turns out that FCA uses an industry-standard software that examines numerous factors associated with a vehicle’s production, design, and on-road performance. Some of the factors examined include:

• The vehicle’s fuel consumption
• Use of materials
• The environmental impact of fuel production and delivery

Figures are determined based on 150,000 miles of operation, meaning these analyses are no easy feat. Improvements, on the other hand, are measured by comparing current greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions to those of comparable vehicles. In this particular case, FCA compared the current-generation Wrangler to the previous-generation Wrangler Unlimited. The previous-generation Wrangler came standard with its only available engine, the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and featured a since-discontinued five-speed automatic transmission.

The latest-generation Wrangler was also analyzed with its standard equipment, including the available 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with engine stop-start (ESS). After calculations, it was determined that each new Wrangler has the potential to account for a 14-metric ton reduction in GHG emissions. This is the equivalent to:

• Carbon dioxide equivalent of 7.7 tons of coal burned in a power-generation plant
• Carbon dioxide equivalent of power produced for 2.4 average American homes for one year
• GHG emissions of three passenger cars, driven for one year

In addition, Jeep also reports that the reduced emissions from each 2.0-liter Wrangler have the potential to curb and account for the carbon sequestration that happens in 16.5 acres of U.S. forest, throughout the course of a year. The materials chosen for the latest-generation Wrangler also contribute to the vehicle’s overall greener performance as its ferrous metal content is now down to 54 percent from 68 percent in the previous-generation Wrangler.

FCA’s TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission also improves the Wrangler’s on-road performance as it benefits fuel economy figures. The Jeep Wrangler now offers an increase of three mpg when compared to the previous-generation Wrangler and the corresponding five-speed automatic transmission. Jeep also offers the automaker’s eTorque mild-hybrid technology, which helps improve fuel economy with the addition of an electric motor that works in tandem with the existing gasoline engine to aid in ESS and more.

Other highlights for FCA include an investment of $400 million to produce the Wrangler’s engine at a former transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, leading to new jobs and bringing FCA’s employment in the state to 8,300. Additionally, this GWP analysis comes on the heels of FCA’s publication of its 2019 Sustainability Report. The company continues its mission to further reduce its environmental footprint around the globe. In the past decade, FCA has reduced its carbon footprint by 27 percent, slashed its waste generation by 64 percent, and diminished its water use by nearly 40 percent.

Ready to get behind the wheel of a greener Jeep? Visit us atMiami Lakes Automalland explore the latest perks that Jeep has to offer. Check out our current Jeep Wrangler inventory and schedule your test drive today. Follow Miami Lakes Jeep on social media to stay up to date with the latest news.

Photo Source/Copyright: Jeep

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