Verified: 2020 JT Gladiator Pickup Truck Production Starts January 2019, Order Banks Open in Jan/Feb

[Vegas_Sirk]

Isn’t it ironic that most Jeeps never venture off road, and many pickups never carry more than a few bags of mulch from Lowes or the latest mega flat screen tv? Those of us who use a vehicle for its intended purpose have fallen victim to those who seek a status symbol or an “image”. Urban cowboys. I completely understand that the market for regular cab pickups is small. However, an extended cab with a longer box is not beyond the realm. GM (and now Ford) seems to understand that there is a market for them. I can buy a loaded Colorado ZR2 extended cab with a 74” bed for just over $50k, a crew cab version of the same truck is $7k - $8k more. GM & Ford understand that I don’t want to pay that extra money for something that I have no need for, and that also diminishes the utility of the truck for me. Both Ford and GM sell roughly twice as many pickups as FCA, so they might take a lesson here.The problem with the RAM is reliability. Major issues with the chassis, steering, transmissions, and corrosion over the years have hurt their reputation. Great styling and great engines aren’t enough.
If you want to be a sales leader, you have to fill the niches. In my opinion a JT Rubicon WILL have a ton more capability than most everything else available, but for my dollars it needs 2 doors, and a somewhat useful bed.

RAM is really making that push to be an industry leader with the 2019 1500 redesign. Its a completely new truck, but at the same time they don't want a Jeep truck taking away from Ram sales. Also Jeep knows they have a niche market with the JT, as they have seen the demand of the AEV Brute as a lifestyle truck, so they have no intention of going after the mid-size work truck market. Jeep just dosen't have those fleet relationships that their Ram brand dose. If anything you might see a new Dakota down the line that will be more inline with the work market and offer the single cab your looking for, but I would expect it to be much more basic of a truck.

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[Gladiator4Runner]

Well I knew we heard reports etc, but I needed something a little more concrete.
This document just about proves the JT production won’t start until after April 1, 2019.
So I guess late 2019 for them to be available.
I know this isn’t new news, but at least I see something more official than a “report”

http://jfs.ohio.gov/warn/pdf/MobisNorthAmericaLLC_Redacted.stm

I don't believe it. They've never been that organized. It'll take even longer.

 

[wooderson]

So what’s the guess? First year of the JT will be a 2020?

 

[Billy]

Ugh

 

[OSO131]

It seems so.... we should start a timer...

 

[Troybilt]

At first I was disappointed about the delay, but now that it has set in I don't mind it as much. The longer it takes the more cash I can save. I am hoping to keep my payment under $300 and to do so I am looking to save $10,000 to put down on my JT.

When I bought my 2012 JK I put $8,000 down and got $3,200 off with employee discount. That kept my payment well under $300.

 

[Renegade]

At first I was disappointed about the delay, but now that it has set in I don't mind it as much. The longer it takes the more cash I can save. I am hoping to keep my payment under $300 and to do so I am looking to save $10,000 to put down on my JT.

When I bought my 2012 JK I put $8,000 down and got $3,200 off with employee discount. That kept my payment well under $300.

I think you’re being pretty optimistic about what the JT is going to cost. The price of the JT and your 2012 JK might not be in the same ballpark...

 

[Troybilt]

I am well aware of the price difference.

I guess I should of mentioned the trade in, or resale value of my JK will also be used to bring the payment down.

 

[BillyHW]

Do we know what the engine options are yet for the JT?

 

[drogers]

Do we know what the engine options are yet for the JT?

The only info we have on that comes from the leak on tow ratings/weight capacity, which indicate the 3.6 gas and 3.0 diesel:

https://www.jeepscramblerforum.com/...ayload-figures-and-axle-ratios-revealed.1353/

 

[WXman]

Yes and there's a huge small-mid size pickup pie to split. Almost 200k Tacomas sold in 2016. Over 100k Colorados. And over 600k F-150's! That's about 1 million small to midsize pickup trucks sold in 2016. I can see the JT pickup selling 200-300k easy in its first year.

The difference is that ALL of the trucks you mentioned will cost far less than the JT, and will have more capability to haul, tow, and carry people. I think there are a lot of people who think they want a JT, but when they see the sticker prices on them they'll take 2 steps backward. Marchionne has admitted that this JT will be "purposefully expensive".

They lost me when they made the decision to build 4 doors only. I was thrilled with the idea of a mid size aluminum bodied pickup with a diesel engine and Rubicon capabilities. I have no need for a back seat but I do need a reasonably sized bed, capable of hauling a fair amount of cargo. I’m sure most buyers would opt for the 4 door but I need a truck. My Rubicon is an unlimited, and there have been occupants in the back seat exactly one time. My Rubi also goes where my Ram1500 won’t, and my Ram hauls things that the Rubi won’t (gravel, stone, lumber, dirt bike)The Gladiator was my hope to combine both of those vehicles into one. I’m willing to compromise on bed length to a degree, but one of those baby beds just won’t cut it for me.

I had a 2013 Frontier with the 5' bed and it was surprisingly capable. It had the fold over bed extender which would instantly turn it into a 6.5' bed when I needed, but the rest of the time it was easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces on and off road. I actually got to the point where I really liked its versatility.

 

[camodog]

JT hopefuls, we have good news!

JLWF just confirmed from a very recent supplier internal document that the 2019 JT Wrangler pickup truck will launch (production) in October 2018.

As noted in our Toledo plant schedule the 2019 JT will be built at Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo South) after the plant shuts down for retooling starting on March 31, 2018.

UPDATE: August 2018: 2019 JT Wrangler Pickup Truck Order Banks Open

Keep tuned here and in our JL/JT info thread as additional details roll in.

Are we still a go for August order banks to open? I want these dealerships to take my money.

 

[Billy]

Are we still a go for August order banks to open? I want these dealerships to take my money.

I wouldn't hold your breath. Probably November/December realistically.

 

[Billy]

I wouldn't hold your breath. Probably November/December realistically.

Just read that again... If I hold your breath, it's called strangulation, which is not my bag baby.

Let me restate; If I was you, I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[rodhotter]

i am VERY pleased with my 11 frontier SV 4.0 4WD that replaced my crashed 08 colly so the JT gotta be better + be able to haul a 1/2 ton, only 2 doors need apply + price may be too much for now but preowned in a few years could work. i would really like a "fresh air" pickup + thats my interest in a jeep!! i will wait + see the real thing if they make a 2 door!!

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