I wouldn't jump straight to that conclusion above^^^. We are just as excited about this as everyone else. FCA making the JL pickup only makes our lives easier. MUCH easier. It will allow us to focus our efforts on developing individual products and complete vehicle upgrade packages for a new Jeep Wrangler variation!
I own jeeps even if owned by FCA (FIAT!) b/c of AMERICA, but some tacomas are made here?
The second generation Tacomas were assembled in Tijuana, Mexico and Fremont, California while the plastic/composite beds were all built in Mexico. However, in August 2009 Toyota announced that it would relocate Tacoma production from Fremont to San Antonio, Texas.
But, Tacomas are made in America: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Motor_Manufacturing_Texas
The Jeep pickup will be a lifestyle play 100%. Just like the Brute. Its not going to haul anything more than some bags of mulch from the store or maybe the trash to the dump. If we are lucky, it will be built so that the bed is easily removable for a full camper or built in such a way to take a nice slide in popup.
I wouldnt expect any payload capacity beyond 1200 ish pounds and probably a towing capacity of 5k or less (could be 3500).
The white one has always been my favorite ben. that is an awesome build!
If I may add some photos of a few AEV TJ Brute's I've built over the last few years. And I'll tell you this, I've NEVER driven any vehicle that get's more attention. EVER!
Ben