Dear Sergio,
Chrysler’s Jeep Wrangler and I have a lot in common.
The Wrangler and I are both the product of hardworking parents who sacrificed for our future.
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We were both born and made in Toledo, Ohio. We’re from the same streets and neighborhood. We know the same people, some of whom were made in a Jeep.
We are both driven by family. While I’d do anything to protect the well-being of my loved ones, the Wrangler makes sure their safety is its first priority. As parents, we love to brag about how awesome our kids are — the back window of the Jeep have become a favorite place for us to boast about our children’s activities.
The Jeep Wrangler and myself are built for all seasons — we’re not scared by the cold in the Winter and we’re not afraid to take our top off in the Summer.
We know how to work and we know how to have a good time.
We are both hardworking, never afraid to get dirty or to help a friend in need. We both tend to be pretty low maintenance– just occasionally needing some refreshing fluids, maybe a little romp here or there to keep our engines running and our spirits up. We both like to park and we both enjoy getting some action.
We are loyal. We take care of those who take care of us.
Jeeps have been made and owned by numerous generations of families. Our grandparents made them during World War II. Our parents made them while they were being showcased on “M*A*S*H.” We’ve been manufacturing them ever since … through 9/11 and the bailout — good times and bad. We have put Jeeps on the road and Jeeps have been putting food on our table and children through college.
Our parents bought us our first Jeep — as we find a way to buy one for our children. It’s not a business relationship; we’re family. We share the same blood.
I know you are thinking about changing the body of future Wranglers to the lighter aluminum — we can relate, our wives have been wanting us to get in better, lighter shape for a long time. However, if you choose to move the production of the Jeep Wrangler, our brother, to anyplace other than its home– you are ripping out not only its very heart and soul, but the hearts and souls of its family.
We have been through a lot together, but we have always been there for each other.
Please keep our family together.
With Love, a Toledoan
Email columnist Jeremy Baumhower at jeremytheproducer@icloud.com.
