Chrysler Launches Right-Hand Drive Wrangler for Overseas Market

07/24/96

Chrysler's first right-hand drive Jeep Wrangler will come off the assembly line in Toledo, Ohio this week. The Jeep Wrangler will be the fourth Chrysler Corporation vehicle to come out in a right-hand drive model; it joins the Chrysler Neon, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Jeep Cherokee.

The first right-hand drive Wranglers will go to markets like Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom. The right-hand drive Wranglers will debut in other markets that include South Africa and Thailand in the next few months. 40% of the world market uses right-hand drive vehicles.

The Toledo Assembly Plant will turn out approximately 7,000 right- hand drive Jeep Wranglers a year. The plant's maximum Wrangler production capacity is 110,000 units.

In 1991, Chrysler sold vehicles in only 22 countries. Now the company's international operation includes 100 markets. 1996 International sales for the first half of the year hit 105,423 units, almost 15,000 more units than the company sold internationally during the same period in 1995.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel