Jeep Prepares to Double Its Lineup by Covering More Bases

Zetsche stated that the Commander, which will no doubt also feature a HEMI under the hood, will make its world debut at the

The Commander, which will no doubt also feature a HEMI under the hood, will make its world debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

2005 New York International Auto Show in March, and become available to consumers shortly thereafter in the summer of 2005. It will be assembled at the automaker's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.

The 4-door TJ-based SUV is expected to start production in 2006, at the soon to be upgraded Toledo South Assembly Plant in Ohio.

Expect the Compass-based model to ride on next-generation Chrysler-Mitsubishi developed Dodge SX 2.0 (Neon) replacement architecture, and due to this to be produced at Chrysler's Belvidere, Illinois facility that also makes the SX 2.0 (Neon).

Jeep also showed a larger than life Hummer H1-sized concept at Detroit this year, dubbed the Rescue. The Rescue would allow Jeep to

Watch out Hummer, Jeep is ready to compete for military contracts with its larger than life Rescue. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

win back some military contracts, as well as buyers who previously used CJs (Wranglers) for extreme off-road needs and are now buying Humvees. Zetsche made no mention regarding plans to build the oversized model during the other three product announcements, nor any plans to offer a Jeep pickup truck.

Most analysts agree, however, that DaimlerChrysler is only just beginning to exercise its option to expand the Jeep brand. The Jeep face, now emblazoned as part of the nameplate's new logo, is one of the most recognizable styling treatments the world over, allowing greater initial global opportunities than either Chrysler or Dodge. No doubt, we'll all be seeing a lot more of it in the near future.