Ram Truck recently celebrated an important production milestone. The 2 millionth “half-ton” pickup rolled off the line at parent company Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP), a Flame Red RHO model that’s ready to get dirty. Similarly, sister brand Jeep has a lot to be happy about. The off-road-focused division just built its 250,000th Wrangler 4xe, which recently rolled off the line in Toledo, Ohio.
A Best Seller For Jeep, And America
“OK, big deal!” some of you are saying, “Jeep sells tens of thousands of these SUVs every year. Who cares?” Well, this announcement is significant because the 4xe is not your run-of-the-mill utility vehicle, rather, it’s a plug-in hybrid. In fact, the Wrangler 4xe is, and has been for some time, America’s best-selling PHEV.
Helping drivers save copious amounts of fuel, or off-road in eerie silence is this vehicle’s electrified powertrain. Under that flat, squared-off hood, the Wrangler 4xe features a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine and two electric motors that are juiced by a decently capacious 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This combination provides an estimated 21 miles of all-electric range and an efficiency rating of 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). That’s not too shabby for an SUV that looks about as aerodynamic as the retaining wall for a highway overpass.
The quarter-millionth example of this electrified vehicle was a Willys model with a black paint job and the three-piece Freedom Top. This Wrangler also features aggressive mud-terrain tires and simple cloth-covered seats. Hopefully, this vehicle makes its new owner happy, a customer located in California.
Plug-In Hybrids Give Drivers More Choice
“This milestone is a testament to the passion of our valued customers and the dedication and hard work of our talented employees at Toledo Assembly,” said Jeep brand CEO Bob Broderdorf in an official statement. “Power of choice is a pillar of the Wrangler experience. Whether you opt for this innovative PHEV, the efficient turbo-four, the robust V-6, or the mighty 392 V-8, there’s a Jeep Wrangler for every adventure,” the executive added. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the production of the 250,000th Wrangler 4xe.”
This amped-up version of Jeep’s legendary SUV entered production back in December of 2020. And just like every Wrangler, the 4xe is screwed together at Stellantis’ Toledo Assembly Complex, which has been home to this nameplate and its predecessors for more than 80 years.
“Toledo employees take great pride in being part of the history of this iconic vehicle and knowing that their work touches the lives of customers all around the world.”
– Trezelle Jenkins, plant manager.
Aside from this plug-in hybrid Wrangler, Jeep also recently built the 100,000th copy of the Grand Cherokee 4xe. The third best-selling PHEV, this model was built in Detroit and rolled off the line last December.
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