XXXL Jeep Rescue Points to Future Hummer H1 Competitor
Monday, November 17th, at Detroit's Cobo Arena Chrysler Group executives previewed two all-new concepts and one never shown in North America that will be featured at the Detroit auto show January.
 |
| The Jeep Treo that was first shown in Tokyo is a weird and wacky fuel-cell powered micro SUV with drive electric motors at each wheel and drive-by-wire technology. See additional larger photos in photo album. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
The Jeep Treo (see 2003 Jeep Treo Concept in archives) that was first shown in Tokyo is a weird and wacky fuel-cell powered micro SUV with drive electric motors at each wheel and drive-by-wire technology. It most definitely will not be built and probably (hopefully) doesn't even hint at future brand styling. According to Trevor Creed, head of Chrysler Group design, it originally was to feature only two seats, but he had the design team add a center mounted third seat improving functionality. It incorporates rear outboard attachments for two mountain bikes.
 |
| The Hummer H1 has some serious competition on the way from Jeep's new Rescue Concept. See additional larger photos in photo album. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Another Jeep concept was the Rescue, a massive Hummer H1 competitor no less than 2,032 mm (80-inches) wide with a 3,124 mm (123-inch) wheelbase. The tires are 37-inches in diameter! As its name implies the Rescue has been designed for extreme search and rescue work, forest fire fighting and military conveyance. This is an important category for Jeep to compete in, for monetary purposes as well as to boost its pride. After all, Jeep had long been the vehicle of choice for the U.S. armed forces until Hummer (built by AM General which was initially a division of American Motors that also owned the Jeep brand) took over. If the Rescue points to a future XXXL production Jeep that will finally target this market, it makes a lot of sense.