WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading
manufacturer of light tactical vehicles, AM General, together with
the Jeep Brand of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), today introduced
a new light tactical concept vehicle at the Annual Meeting and
Exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). The Jeep
Gladiator Extreme Military-Grade Truck (XMT) by AM General is the
first phase of a collaboration that reunites two companies whose
histories trace back to World War II. In creating the Jeep
Gladiator XMT, AM General leveraged the Gladiator's class-leading
capabilities and customized the truck to meet global customers'
needs for a light-weight military truck.
"We are extremely excited to partner with FCA and introduce the
Jeep Gladiator Extreme Military-Grade Truck at AUSA," said AM
General President and CEO, Andy
Hove. "This new venture gives us an opportunity to showcase
our expertise in light tactical vehicles and help FCA maximize the
Gladiator's global reach and potentially enter new military
markets."
AM General identified the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator – the most
capable midsize truck ever, with 7,650 pounds of towing capacity
and up to 1,600 pounds of payload capacity – as the ideal platform
on which to develop the Extreme Military-Grade concept vehicle.
"The Jeep brand has an important military heritage, so we
couldn't be happier that AM General expressed interest in creating
the Gladiator XMT," said Jim
Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – North America. "The all-new Jeep Gladiator
boasts unmatched functionality, versatility and especially
capability – including two advanced 4x4 systems, locking
differentials, skid plates, tow hooks, and incredible approach,
breakover and departure angles – the perfect foundation for this
ultra-capable military concept vehicle."
"We're proud to partner with AM General, we look forward to
gauging interest and gathering feedback on the Jeep Gladiator XMT,
and we're excited about potential future opportunities," Morrison
added.
Based on its over 100 years of experience in the defense
industry and deep knowledge of the global military landscape, AM
General identified a series of parts and accessories that amplify
the Jeep Gladiator's leading off-road maneuverability and enhance
the Gladiator's capability to provide its end users with the
appropriate equipment for tactical communications and service. The
Jeep Gladiator XMT has been upfitted by AM General with both
custom-built and commercially available military-grade parts to
create an even more rugged truck that can traverse the toughest of
terrains in adverse conditions and is ready to meet varied military
customer requirements.
As with the iconic, proven and versatile Humvee, AM General can
also apply its manufacturing and engineering expertise to convert
the Gladiator XMT into mission-specific and purposeful light-weight
tactical trucks based on customer requirements. Whether the need is
to have a rugged personnel transport carrier or a command and
control truck, the company has demonstrated through the Enhanced
Tactical Kit (ETK) offerings on Humvee, its ability to deliver
solutions that are customer-driven, and cost-effective.
Pending feedback and interest in the military marketplace,
production could begin in the second half of 2020. In addition to
the gas model, Gladiator XMT would be offered to military customers
as a diesel version.
All-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator
The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the most off-road capable midsize
truck ever, builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable Jeep
trucks with an unmatched combination of rugged utility, authentic
Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility
and best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload.
Available with three different powertrain combinations and equipped
with a versatile cargo box, Gladiator is built to handle the
demands of an active lifestyle while delivering an open-air driving
experience in a design that is unmistakably Jeep. Combining
traditional Jeep brand attributes with strong truck credentials,
the Jeep Gladiator is a unique vehicle capable of taking passengers
and cargo anywhere. A multitude of technology features, such as
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and safety features, such as
Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, adaptive
cruise control and Forward Collision Warning-Plus, further
Gladiator's appeal.
All Gladiator models are Trail Rated with a badge indicating that
the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging
off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented
performance categories: traction, ground clearance,
maneuverability, articulation and water fording. Gladiator Rubicon
models are equipped with signature red tow hooks, Rock-Trac® 4x4
system, featuring a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range
gear ratio, front and rear heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok®
electric front- and rear-axle lockers, segment-exclusive electronic
sway bar disconnect, cab and bed rock rails and standard 33-inch
Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain off-road tires.
AM General
AM General designs, engineers,
manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles for
military and commercial customers worldwide. Through its military
business, the company is widely recognized as the world leader in
design, engineering, manufacturing and logistics support of
Tactical Vehicles, having produced and sustained over 300,000
vehicles in over 70 countries. Through its heritage companies, AM
General has over 100 years of experience meeting the changing needs
of the defense and automotive industries, supported by its
employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and a strong supplier base that
stretches across 43 states.
FCA
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) designs,
engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles and related parts,
services and production systems worldwide. The Group operates 102
manufacturing facilities and 46 R&D centers; and it sells
through dealers and distributors in more than 135 countries. FCA's
automotive brands include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge,
Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram, Maserati. The Group's
businesses also include Mopar (automotive parts and service), Comau
(production systems) and Teksid (iron and castings). In addition,
retail and dealer financing, leasing and rental services in support
of the Group's car business are provided through subsidiaries,
joint ventures and commercial arrangements with third-party
financial institutions. FCA is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico
Azionario under the symbol "FCA".
Jeep Brand
Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the
authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship
and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The
Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest
by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners
with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass,
Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer
demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and
right-hand drive configurations and with various gasoline and
diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands
offered by global automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. For more
information regarding FCA (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA), please
visit www.fcagroup.com.
AM General Media Contact: Deborah
Reyes
Global Marketing and Communications Director
deborah.reyes@amgeneral.com
FCA Media Contact: Berj
Alexanian
PR Manager – Jeep Gladiator, Grand Cherokee & Wrangler
berj.alexanian@fcagroup.com
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SOURCE AM General