Jeep’s first pickup in two decades is apparently this season’s must-have gift, even though it requires do-it-yourself assembly.
The JK-8 Independence pickup conversion for Jeep Wranglers was introduced earlier this year by Chrysler’s Mopar division, which anticipated selling around 200 to 300 units annually. But Mopar says that dealers are reporting more than 400 orders for the kit.
Strong demand for the aftermarket package, which runs about $5,500, has prompted Jeep to take a look at a factory-built pickup package for the next-generation Wrangler.
Mopar chief Pietro Gorlier says that Jeep division head Mike Manley “has been pretty clear. When we go to the next generation of the Wrangler, [a pickup] will probably be considered.
Jeep hasn’t had a factory-built pickup in its North American lineup since the Cherokee-based Comanche was dropped in 1992, although some global markets – notably Egypt – have had access to Wranglers with pickup beds in recent years.
