Altogether, Chrysler and Dodge supplied Allied fighting forces with $3.4 billion in equipment before the war ended in 1945. Yes, it's more than reasonable to say that Chrysler Group is worthy to carry the Jeep brand back into the military arena.
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| The combination of Chrysler and Dodge's military history proves that Chrysler Group is a worthy caretaker of the Jeep heritage, and has what it takes to be a major player in the lucrative military market. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Of course, not all Willys Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge military vehicles of the past were used for direct combat. Jeeps and Dodge trucks were rigged for ambulance duty, as well as fighting forest fires and rescue work after the war.
This is a market, along with the obvious military opportunities, today's Jeep is targeting with its new Rescue concept. The market is now dominated by the previously American Motors Corp. owned AM General, and its Hummer HUMVEE, or H1 as it is referred to by civilians since the brand's marketing rights were placed in the hands of Chrysler Group rival General Motors.
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| The Rescue is no TJ, making a shadow that covers no less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) of real estate in width, and featuring a wheelbase that stretches 3,124 mm (123 inches). (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
After a lengthy lawsuit between the two companies regarding the use of the seven-slat grille, a loss that without doubt still smarts like a chronic war wound on the hind ends of top Chrysler Group execs, Jeep has countered with a conceptual challenger to the HUMVEE. The Rescue is no TJ, making a shadow that covers no less than 2,032 mm (80 inches) of real estate in width, and featuring a wheelbase that stretches 3,124 mm (123 inches). Its MTR tread, run-flat tires are a mammoth 37 inches in diameter! Additionally, an on-board tire pressure monitor allows the driver to "tune" tire pressures for optimal traction on any surface.
Under the XXXL exterior is an all-new body-on-frame architecture with hydroformed frame rails supporting a hydropneumatic front suspension and heavy-duty link-coil rear suspension. This is said to deliver to a "solid footing on all terrain," according to Jeep. What's more, the suspension features adjustable ride height allowing an additional 102 mm (4 inches) of lift when needed.