Chrysler recalling 2010 Wranglers for skid plate fix

Chrysler Group has notified the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration that the company is voluntarily recalling approximately 67,872 U.S. market 2010 Jeep Wranglers to replace the automatic transmission skid plate with a skid bar. The recall includes only 2010 model-year vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and built prior to July 14, 2010.

For the 2010 model year, the catalytic converter was relocated for emissions compliance. The new location is closer to a skid plate, a condition that could permit debris accumulation, particularly when driving off-road or through heavy brush. If debris is not cleared from the underbody, as the owner’s guide instructs, it could pose a fire risk because of its proximity to the catalytic converter.

Chrysler Group will replace the skid plate on 2010 Jeep Wranglers with a skid bar, a design change implemented in late 2010 and in subsequent model years as a weight-savings measure.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any injuries associated with these incidents. Affected owners will be contacted by Chrysler Group.

Jeep wins award for “Call of Duty” ad

Jeep received a Silver OBIE award from the Outdoor Advertising Association for America for the Jeep Wrangler “Call of Duty” Out of Home Creative Design.

The campaign was created to introduce the 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition and included full media buys, experiential events and out-of-home advertising. Jeep’s OBIE was awarded for the creative use of billboards using blacklit electroluminescent billboards featuring day and night imagery.

“We are honored to receive this award as it validates our desire to attract consumer attention in a different and innovative way,” said Olivier Francois, Chrysler Group’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our creative standards are high and allow great ideas to come to life, always striving to showcase our products with a unique approach.”

The Jeep billboard campaign was designed by creative agency Global Hue. Using patented low voltage electroluminescent Light Tape lamps, consumers saw the campaign tagline, “Toughest Vehicle in the World” version of the advertisement by day that showcased the true vehicle capability and a “Toughest Vehicles in the World”. Any World.” version at night, illustrating the vehicle’s capability in the virtual Call of Duty world. The billboards were located in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, and were the three largest completely backlit electroluminescent billboards done simultaneously.

“This was a breakthrough creative idea that not only communicated the Jeep brand and its Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV, but also allowed us to connect to the gaming world and expose the 2012 Jeep Wrangler to a completely new set of consumers,” said Jeep CEO Mike Manley. “The billboards showcased the rugged capability, dynamic energy and high performance that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV offers.”

Allpar reviews Wrangler Unlimited

Allpar has reviewed the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, which now comes with the Pentastar V6 and has an optional five-speed automatic transmission. Go to the review now.

Jeep Tests rumored

An insider wrote that Jeep engineers are going to be testing vehicles out at Moab soon, possibly including the new Liberty/Cherokee, which are also slated for high-altitude testing in Colorado. Meanwhile, Grand Cherokees with eight-speed automatics are set to be tested in adverse conditions.

Thanks to “MJ” for the tip!