"We're pleased to recognise this important milestone and the role of both Chrysler and the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation," said Hussein Mustafa Mohamed, Chairman, Arab American Vehicles Co. "The launch of the incredibly versatile Jeep J8 and the anticipated demand for its export is an economically significant event for 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 organisations and government agencies.

Originally unveiled at the 2007 Defence 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 body and seating configurations in either right- or left-hand drive. The two-door version, for example, can be configured as a personnel carrier with seating for up to eight.

"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," said Thomas Hausch, Chrysler LLC Vice President - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The Jeep J8 is also an exceptional value, priced below other vehicles designed for humanitarian and military work."

"Jeep vehicles debuted in 1941 as the workhorse of the military," added Hausch. "The Jeep J8 brings us back full circle. 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. Axles, brakes and suspension components are engineered specifically for more demanding military and civilian government use, including utilising 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 and 400 Nm of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg, capacity normally only seen on Grand Cherokee and Commander. The engine is matched to a five speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a bonnet mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to ford water up to 762 mm deep and operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

While not designed for front line combat operations, the Jeep J8 is fully armour 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 organisations
Aid programmes
Relief efforts
Public safety agencies
Geologic exploration companies
Survey teams
Farm duties
Forestry work
Oil industry support
Fisheries
Miscellaneous commercial applications
General utility and other applications requiring versatility

Australian Availability

The Jeep J8 does not meet local homologation criteria and as a result cannot be driven on Australian roads. Thus the new Jeep J8 will not be available in Australia.

About Arab American Vehicles Company
Arab American Vehicles Company is a manufacturing joint venture between the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (51 percent ownership) and Chrysler LLC (49 percent ownership). The plant, a 120,000 square metres (1.29 million square feet) facility located on the outskirts of Cairo was established in 1977 and produced its first vehicle in 1978 (Jeep CJ-6). A workforce of 680 builds 17,600 vehicles annually.

Initially AAV was established to serve the Egyptian and Arab military forces by providing them with the American CJ-series Jeep vehicles, the descendants of the world's first four-wheel drive military vehicle, the Willys. After meticulous testing, the armed forces of several Arab countries chose the CJ over other vehicles.

AAV also builds Jeep Cherokee for retail sale in the region. AAV-manufactured vehicles are comprised of 45 to 47 percent local content.

Jeep in the Military
In June 1941, the U.S. Army received its first shipments of the Willys MA, the rugged 4x4 vehicle that came to be called the Jeep. This predecessor to today’s Jeep Wrangler would prove so vital to the Allies’ World War II effort that Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower declared that the war could not have been won without the Jeep vehicle. Willys went on to produce the CJ-2A, a civilian version of the military vehicle, to deliver the capable and dependable service that the military had come to know. Today’s Jeep J8 continues in the tradition of both of these early 4x4s.

Jeep vehicles have been produced for various militaries around the world. The Jeep J8 marks the start of Jeep’s renewed commitment to supply the defence community with the highest-quality 4x4 vehicles available anywhere in the world.

Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand led Chrysler LLC sales outside North America (including Australia) in 2007, accounting for 41 percent of total sales. Jeep sales grew 13 per cent for the year, fuelled by strong demand for new models such as the extremely capable Jeep Wrangler and fuel-efficient Patriot. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was the sales leader for the brand, and it is the second highest volume vehicle outside North America for Chrysler LLC.