Rumormill: Chrysler to sell Jeep to International? If so, it's news to Chrysler
Ever since Cerberus bought a controlling interest in Chrysler, many have openly speculated that the private equity fund would ultimately split up the company and sell it off. Those rumors have intensified in the last six months as the troubles of Chrysler and the rest of the industry have grown. Of the three brands in the stable, Jeep is generally considered to be the only one that has any significant value to potential buyers. Interestingly, the same thing was true in 1987 when Chrysler bought American Motors Corporation just to get the Jeep brand.
A report has just popped up on the website for JP Magazine that the International Trucks unit of Navistar has purchased Jeep. We've contacted Chrysler for a comment on the story and spokesman Ed Garsten told us he hasn't "...heard a thing on this." The story may turn out to be untrue – in fact, we suspect it may be an unfortunately-timed April Fool's joke that's been published online commensurate with that publication's newsstand schedule. Despite all that, International would perhaps be a fitting owner for Jeep. Back in the '60s and '70s, the International Scout was perhaps the closest competitor to the CJ and old Scouts are still popular among off-roaders. As for the fate of Jeep and the rest of Chrysler, we'll have to keep waiting.
[Source: JPMagazine]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Sofa King Fast! 11:16AM (2/23/2009)
I think this report is complete BS and the "insider" was probably a secretary.
Fiat's stake in Chrysler and GM's plan to spin off SAAB, Saturn and Hummer fly in the face of this leaked info.
Also, I have to be skeptical about a plan to put solid axels in an SUV. The plan sounds like an off-road enthusiasts pipe dream and not a realistic idea and considering the source is likely what it is.
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TimO 1:57AM (2/24/2009)
Ummm: Wranglers already have solid axles (note the correct spelling).
Most real SUVs still have solid rear axles, but the Wrangler and the Dodge and Ford heavy duty trucks are the only ones left with solid fronts, which are really preferable for either heavy-duty use or serious offroading.
Justin Cox 11:22AM (2/23/2009)
ATTENTION:
I am an avid reader of JP Magazine and this is just one of their April Fools jokes. Every April issue they play around with the readers and add something to fool us.
Disregard this as just another joke to mess with the Jeep owners out there.
-Justin
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Zip 11:19AM (2/23/2009)
I think Jeep brand name is more important than 'Chrylser'.
Jeep is a "Symbol" of SUV.
This brand sell to China? OMG.
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rsfourever 11:21AM (2/23/2009)
china? what are you talking about? international is an american company...
Epyx 11:23AM (2/23/2009)
A new International Scout? Nice.
This is complete BS in my opinion but a new Scout would be badass.
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Alan 1:40PM (2/23/2009)
This is too good of an idea to be green lighted by an American company, there are laws against it.
hypermiler 11:26AM (2/23/2009)
Jeep is the only asset in Chrysler that still has some value left and coveted by other automakers. Accordingly, it should sell for a decent price, while remaining Chrysler dies away.
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techstar25 11:31AM (2/23/2009)
The first sentence of the second paragraph has what I would think would be the real big news...
"Thanks to the whole bailout mess, Cerberus and General Motors are in the last legs of talks to join forces to become General Chrysler Motors, or GCM for short."
It was at that point I laughed and stopped reading.
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HotRodzNKustoms 11:41AM (2/23/2009)
If anyone was to buy Chrysler or the Jeep brand from Cerberus they would have to take all of Chrysler to make it a viable deal to Cerberus and immediately put it in a chapter proceeding to reorganize the company, get rid of the massive debt, and f*ck the unions. After that they could do what they wish with the brands.
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richsra 11:53AM (2/23/2009)
Jeep would be a great addition to Honda. Honda does not really have a good SUV line. They started well with the Pilot but its redesign is a flop.
With Honda's financial and technological backing, Jeep would update its interiors (better finish and plastics), better quality control issues and for Honda open up a new market where the Jeep brand has more street credibility than a Honda product.
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BigMcLargeHuge 11:57AM (2/23/2009)
I'd like to see International enter the off-road SUV market. They have light diesels that they've used in vans and pickups in the past.
Would really be a decent time for them to enter the market, if they ever intended to.
Too bad this is rumor.
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Luce 1:18PM (2/23/2009)
I really don't see Jeep going anywhere anytime soon. It's a pretty stable brand and I doubt Chrysler would be willing to let it go (when it could let go other brands instead).
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Joshua 1:22PM (2/23/2009)
Even though this is a hoax, GM should consider unloading its HUMMER brand onto International. International already produces a significant quantity of American military vehicles and the Hummer brand invokes images of the good ole Humvee. It would also allow International to seperate its comercial and military endeavors as well as create or more succesful niche for consumer off road vehicles. It give GM and International the oppertunity to keep HUMMER relevant and American while allowing the brand to downsize.
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CE 3:44PM (2/23/2009)
I like this idea
jim 1:32PM (2/23/2009)
Jeep or other Chrysler assets are staying put till the Feds decide if they'll give Chrysler anymore money. If Uncle Greenbacks comes through then Jeep will be integral to Chrysler's plans going forward. If Uncle tells them to take a hike, Jeep will be sold before sunset rather than have it sold off as part of Chrysler's liquidation.
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Alan 1:42PM (2/23/2009)
To clarify - I am refering to a new Scout.
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Dave T. 3:30PM (2/23/2009)
First off International should start building these right now!
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/02/through-ians--1.html
Unfortunately I don't think International is doing that great these days, like most companies. I doubt they're liquid enough to purchase a failing brand (yeah, Jeep sales are down too).
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Shadooky 4:05PM (2/23/2009)
Actually International is doing quite well compared to the other heavy truck makers, their significant military contracts help balance the bottom line during slumps in the commercial vehicle market.
jeepguy 4:09PM (2/23/2009)
HAHAHAHA, JP's April fools issue strikes again!!!
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