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2004 Jeep Rescue Concept

Targeting Its Old Market?

What are the power brokers behind the Jeep brand thinking? Are they trying to build the worlds largest Wrangler for entry in the annual monster truck road show?

While that might not be a bad idea for branding the Jeep image on impressionable young minds, the real reason behind this project is a no-brainer. After all, how many "allied offensives" do our armed forces have to take part in before the original army conveyance takes back its rightful place from Hummer?

The Willys Jeep typified the never surrendering spirit that American and Allied forces embodied during World War II. Today it is an icon, as important to the development of the North American way of life as Fords Model T and,

Jeep, the original army vehicle, looks to be considering taking the reins, and big military contracts, away from the now dominant Hummer HUMVEE. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

ironically, Volkswagens Beetle.

Now, in case you dont think that todays Chrysler Group is a worthy caretaker of the legendary Jeep heritage, take a look down memory lane to such service oriented notables as the M-4 Sherman tank. Under the direction of Chrysler Corporation President K.T. Keller, Chrysler established the Detroit Tank Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, where 18,000 Shermans,

The Willys Jeep typified the never surrendering spirit that American and Allied forces embodied during World War II. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

another backbone of the U.S. ground forces, were built.

While Chrysler also built nearly 8,000 "Sea Mule" marine tugs and hundreds of Harbor Utility Tugs at Chrysler facilities for the war effort, Dodge plants delivered close to 500,000 "fighting trucks," primarily for hauling troops and equipment. Of these the M47, M48 Power Wagons and WC6 Command Cars were most notable. Dodge also constructed more than 18,000 Wright Cyclone engines for the B-29 Superfortress, while other plants spewed out

The combination of Chrysler and Dodges 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)

gyro-compasses, submarine nets, cooking stoves, practice shells, air raid sirens (for homefront use), smoke screen generators and billions of ammunition cartridges from 1942 through to 1945.

Altogether, Chrysler and Dodge supplied Allied fighting forces with $3.4 billion in equipment before the war ended in 1945. Yes, its more than reasonable to say that Chrysler Group is worthy to carry the Jeep brand back into the military arena.

Of course, not all Willys Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge

The Rescue is no Wrangler, making a shadow that covers no less than 80 inches of real estate in width, and featuring a wheelbase that stretches 123 inches. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

military vehicles of the past were used for direct combat. Jeeps and Dodge trucks were rigged for supply and ambulance duty, as well as fighting forest fires and rescue work after the war.

This is a market, along with the obvious military opportunities, todays Jeep is targeting with its new Rescue concept. The segment 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 brands marketing rights were placed in the hands of Chrysler Group rival General Motors.

After a lengthy lawsuit between the two companies regarding the use of the seven-slat

If youve ever sat inside a Hummer H1, youll appreciate the Rescues interior layout. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

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 Wrangler, making a shadow that covers no less than 80 inches of real estate in width, and featuring a wheelbase that stretches 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

The Rescue concept sports what could easily be the largest infotainment screen to ever grace an automobiles cabin. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

terrain," according to Jeep. Whats more, the suspension features adjustable ride height allowing an additional 4 inches of lift when needed.

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