Wrangler-based J8 enters production
An Egyptian concern will build Jeep's new J8 commercial offroaderIt's been a while since Jeep built its last offroad-capable commercial vehicle. In recent years, the company has been better known for SUVs such as the Patriot, Cherokee and Commander.
The company's latest model is the J8, a light truck based on the Wrangler and sharing that vehicle's four-wheel drive system. Jeep has handed the responsibility for production of the J8 to Arab American Vehicles (AAV), a company based in the Egyptian capital of Cairo.
"We're pleased to recognise this important milestone and the role of both Chrysler and the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation," said Hussein Mustafa Mohamed, Chairman, Arab American Vehicles Co.
"The launch of the incredibly versatile Jeep J8 and the anticipated demand for its export is an economically significant event for Egypt."
By being based on the chassis-mounted Wrangler, the J8 can be easily assembled in the Cairo plant from parts sourced from the US and pieced together in different configurations, including an eight-seat 'personnel carrier' with two side doors or a four-door crew-cab model. According to Jeep, the J8 will be built in both left and right-hand drive variants, with numerous bodystyles available.
The J8 differs from the Wrangler Unlimited in offering a higher payload and reinforced axles, brakes and suspension components -- particularly a leaf-sprung live axle at the rear.
Powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel capable of mustering 400Nm of torque and 118kW of power, the J8 marks a return to the sort of bare-bones vehicle on which the Jeep reputation was founded, as long ago as 1941, when the military Jeep first saw service with the US military forces. But bare-bones or not, the J8 is modern enough for the 21st Century, boasting a five-speed automatic transmission.
Although capable of carrying armour plate, this new model is just as likely to be employed by civilian organisations in the field of humanitarian aid or such endeavours as forestry work and surveying.
Unfortunately, the J8 won't make it to Australia, being unable to comply with local design regulations.
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