Jeep says it will add a pick-up and Wagoneer to its lineup

JEEP has confirmed it is expanding its model line-up with a new pickup truck while reviving the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates.

The announcement was made at the Detroit Motor Show and is a "continuation of the efforts already underway to increase production capacity in the U.S. on trucks and SUVs to match demand".

With Australians currently having an appetite for all things light commercial and SUV to rival the Americans, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia hinted at its desire for the models to be sold here as well.

No mention was made regarding on-sale dates in the USA or if and when we'd receive the models in Australia.

With the Toyota HiLux becoming Australia's best-selling vehicle of 2016, and 4x4 ute sales up 10% over the previous year, Jeep will be eager to have its own 4x4 ute offering in showrooms as soon as possible.

In April last year we revealed FCA Australia planned to import a dual cab ute based on Jeep's Wrangler model when it became available.

The brand has revealed Wrangler pick-up concepts in recent years, including its Jeep Crew Chief 715 Concept (lead picture) and hardcore Red Rock Responder packed with premium off-road kit.

A statement released by FCA Australia said:

"We are excited to confirm Jeep's commitment to expand its range with the Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer and a Jeep pickup.

"While it's early days we are in the process of creating a business case to expand the Jeep lineup in Australia to bring these great new products to Australian consumers." 

Jeep traditionalists will rejoice at the news the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates will return.

The Wagoneer was arguably the first ever luxury  SUV, arriving in 1963. It was the first vehicle of its type to be offered with an auto gearbox, was more car-like than any other 4x4 when it first went on sale, and arrived seven years before the Range Rover.