- The plant is 3 sections:
DC/Fiat(?) OMMC and Kuya.
OMMC does the frame assembly with all its components -OMMC is a subsidiary of Hyundai. They basically assemble the frame with the drivetrain, axles, brakes and everything that mounts to the frame.
Kuya was final assembly and the DC side was Liberty/Nitro. Jeep basically hangs the sheet metal and installs the interior. The only body difference between a RHD & a LHD Wrangler is that the firewall is flipped in the body so the opening for the steering shaft is on the passenger side. Dash modules with steering columns are completely modular and either dash will fit the same tub.
- We saw a Thai export Unlimited with no bumpers and a few things that aren't required for Thailand, RHD jeep, a diesel Wrangler.
- The 2011 hard tops have a bigger rear glass and bigger side quarter windows.
- There were 2012 prototypes around but we never saw any. The plant manager who gave our tour said that the 2012 Wrangler's will be a retooled with changes that "add comfort but keep what makes the Jeep a Jeep".
- There are 4 trim lines (buzz models) out/coming out:
Islander/Mountaineer/Mohave/Arctic plus a 70 yr anniversary model
The Mountaineer line Liberty had blacked out headlights, grill and gunmetal wheels. It was pretty cool looking. The one I saw had this candy black paint with gold flecks. It was also getting a large flat black vinyl decal on the hood. This thing looked truly sinister.
The plant is pretty much bright and spotless. I saw one oil spot on the Liberty side and that's it.
The delivery semis are all robot unloaded and the parts are put on carts that are robotic and drive themselves to the line. There are almost no forklifts.
The group getting the intro to how the plant runs by the plant manager.
The group with a 2011 Wrangler. The plant manager stopped the "finishing line" for the picture. About 30 seconds after she did that the line manager stomped over to see why his line was stopped. He didn't seem too happy about it.
A picture of the group outside the gate.
Here's a link to the full set of pictures that we got from Jeep that they took on that day.
Jeep Wrangler Factory Tour
