Jeep J8 production begins in Egypt

The Jeep J8 marks the Jeep brand's return to commercial and military vehicle production with a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of both non-government organizations and government agencies.

Originally unveiled at the 2007 Defense Systems & Equipment International Military Trade Show in London, the Jeep J8 is available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle. It will be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right- or left-hand drive for international markets. The two-door version, for example, can be configured as a personnel carrier with seating for up to eight passengers.

Thomas Hausch, Chrysler LLC Vice President - Europe, Middle East and Africa, said:

"The Jeep J8 combines legendary capabilities and dependability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous, with unmatched cargo capacity and an exceptional towing rating."

He said, "The Jeep J8 is also an exceptional value, priced below other vehicles designed for humanitarian and military work."

"Jeep vehicles have proven over and over again their value as the ultimate workhorse of the military," said Edward Cummins, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group Egypt. "The Jeep J8 brings us back full circle with a formula that has stood the test of time. With a 67-year reputation for off-road capability and utility in both civilian and military applications, Jeep is the benchmark."

With the 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as a starting point, Jeep engineers increased the vehicle's capability and versatility. The frame of the Wrangler Unlimited is reinforced for increased ruggedness and to allow payloads up to a maximum of 1,339 kg (2,952 lbs.). Axles, brakes and suspension components are engineered specifically for more demanding military and civilian government use, including utilizing a leaf spring suspension in the rear. The J8's Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system allows maximum versatility and performance in both on-and off-road conditions.

The Jeep J8 is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs.). The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to ford water up to 762 mm (30 in.) deep and operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

While not designed for front-line combat operations, the Jeep J8 is fully armor capable and excels in a variety of duties ranging from command vehicle to troop/cargo carrier, ambulance, communications vehicle and other duties also making it suitable for civilian government applications. Tow eyes and heavy-duty bumpers allow the Jeep J8 to be easily transported by airplane or helicopter.

Non-Military Applications:

• Humanitarian organizations
• Aid programs
• Relief efforts
• Public safety agencies
• Geologic exploration companies
• Survey teams
• Ranching duties
• Forestry work
• Oil industry support
• Fisheries
• Miscellaneous commercial applications
• General utility and other applications requiring versatility.