EGYPTIAN and American companies have combined to manufacture Jeeps in the ancient land, which still relies to some extent on one of the most legendary forms of all-terrain transport – the camel.
Chrysler LLC and the Arab American Vehicles Company (AAV) officially announced this month the manufacturing launch of the Jeep J8 multi-purpose vehicle at AAV’s Cairo assembly plant.
Chairman of the Arab American Vehicles Co Hussein Mustafa Mohamed said the move was an important milestone for Chrysler and the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation.
“The launch of the incredibly versatile Jeep J8 and the anticipated demand for its export is an economically significant event for Egypt,” he said.
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 and 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 multi-purpose vehicle.
“It will be produced with numerous vehicle-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.
Chrysler vice-president for Europe Middle East and Africa Thomas Hausch said the Jeep J8 was also exceptional value, priced below other vehicles designed for humanitarian and military work.
“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,” he said.
“Jeep vehicles were debuted in 1941 as the workhorse of the military.
“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.”
The non-military applications include versatile operations for humanitarian organisations, aid programs, relief efforts, public safety agencies, geologic exploration companies, survey teams, forestry work, oil industry support, fisheries, general utility and other applications requiring versatility.
Please note: The Jeep J8 does not meet local homologation criteria and as a result cannot be driven at present on Australian roads, but that may not always be the case.