The Long Wait Continues: Brand New Jeep Wrangler JL Won’t Be Unveiled Until LA Auto Show

2018 Jeep Wrangler jl
Jeep Wrangler JL test mule

The brand new next generation Jeep Wrangler JL won’t be shown until the Los Angeles Auto show according to Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne. Fans of the ultimate off-road Jeep have been speculating on the when the current Jeep Wrangler (internally designated as the JK) will be replaced by the next generation of Wrangler (internally designated as the JL). The current generation of the Jeep Wrangler JK has been production in Toledo, Ohio since 2007.

FCA is investing $700 million to upgrade the Toledo factory for the new Jeep Wrangler which is said to use aluminum to lower the weight of the beefy off-roader. Company officials have said the new Jeep factory will create up to 2000 new jobs, however Marchionne has not confirmed that number.

The announced upgrade of the assembly plant has lead many Jeep fans to speculate that Jeep will roll out the next generation Jeep Wrangler JL at the up-coming New York Auto Show and Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The two events coincide and in the past Jeep has used these gatherings of Jeep fans and the automotive press to launch new vehicles as was the case with the new Jeep Renegade.

However FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said:

“We may be forced to go to Los Angeles to launch the car. We’ll have them running around,” he said. “I can’t cover them up with masking tape. The car is too distinctive. We may show it in Los Angeles in November and then launch it officially here in January.”

This would mean that the new Jeep Wrangler JL wouldn’t be on sale until next year as 2018 model.

If you are interested in the current Jeep Wrangler take a look at the TFL comprehensive buyers guide below where we compare the two-door Wrangler to the Unlimited four-door model. Which one is best for you? Tommy Mica has the answer in the video below.