TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Don't call it a comeback.
While Jeep never went anywhere for us in northwest Ohio, under the leadership of former FIAT-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, Jeep has expanded to become an international brand.
"The Wrangler is just phenomenal, the Jeep Compass, of course the Grand Cherokee, every vehicle they've got is just great. It's our number one seller when you combine the franchise," said Denny Ahmrein, the owner of Grogan's Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
Jeep now offers six models, with a seventh version, a pickup truck soon to begin production here in northwest Ohio.
"You know, the Jeep brand, I don't think, has ever been more popular as it is today. It has always been popular domestically, but now it is globally recognized and utilized," said Bruce Baumhower, the president of the UAW Local 12.
With Michael Manley, former president of the Jeep brand, taking over as CEO of Fiat-Chrysler; those who produce and sell this Toledo icon say the future continues to look bright.
"We were all hoping it'd be Mike Manley, because he's the Jeep guy, the global Jeep guy," said Baumhower.
With the man most intimately familiar with the Jeep brand at the helm of the entire corporation, everyone knows the Jeep success story should continue.
Hopefully Manley will also view the Toledo assembly plant in as high regard as his predecessor Marchionne did.
"We can't wait to talk to him and remind him of Sergio's commitment. Because Sergio always said as long as 'I'm running the corporation.' So we have some work to do with Mike Manley," explained Baumhower.
"He's very dealer oriented. He'd talk to the dealers at dealer meetings, he's well know to the dealers. I think that he's going to be as good as Sergio, if not better," said Ahmrein.
