A New Look for the Jeep Wrangler
Chrysler beginning production of an updated version of the Jeep Wrangler. While the vehicle hasn't been shown publicly yet, the company has now released some of the first photos. 
The Wrangler is built at the Toledo Supplier Park, the same venue that Vice President Joe Biden plans to visit on Monday. It's likely that the Monday event will be the first time the 2011 Wrangler is shown in public.
Chrysler has moved away from the traditional industry practice of unveiling new vehicles at major auto shows several months before they go on sale. The company has said it doesn't want to show products that the public can't buy.
Earlier this week Chrysler released "teaser" photos of a new Dodge Durango. Unlike the original Durango, which was a traditional SUV, the new Durango is going to be a car based crossover. It will have three rows of seats, and will soon go into production at Detroit's Jefferson North Plant.
Chrysler recently added a second shift at that plant, hiring about a thousand new workers. The company says it's contemplating adding a third shift. It's seen strong demand for the Grand Cherokee, and is anticipating the same thing from the new Durango.
Chrysler isn't saying when the new Jeep Wrangler will go on sale. But, with production already underway, it's likely to be fairly soon.
"The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, in a press release issued by the company today. "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."
The removable hard top of the Wrangler has been updated, but it appears little else has changed with the Wrangler's styling. The interior, however, has undergone an extensive upgrade. Chrysler says it's using more premium materials, and has totally redone the center stack.
Chrysler has a number of new products coming in the closing months of this year. They include updates of the Chrysler 300 C and Dodge Charger, a complete re-do and possible name change for the mid-size Sebring and Avenger, and a freshening of the company's minivans.
No word how those vehicles will be first unveiled to the public. But they should be on the market in time to be displayed at January's North American International Auto Show.
