The chief goal is to get California clubs and individuals involved in what's happening with their sport and educate them on the benefits of working with federal, state, and county agencies, as well as environmental groups. The convention isn't all business, however, as revealed by the vendor's row and awards ceremony, and not to mention the giveaway Jeep TJ raffled off to the crowd. Event vendors included nationally known companies such as 4 Wheel Parts Performance Centers, Advance Adapters, Warn Enterprises, and Sun Performance, as well as local businesses such as Extreme Gear Off-Road Products and O'Briens' 4 Wheels West. Awards were presented to those groups and individuals that made the greatest efforts toward the conservation of the trails and the environment.
For more information about the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, visit its Web site at www.cal4wheel.com.
DC Sets Pricing For 2002 Liberty
With legions of Jeep owners still bellyaching over the loss of the Cherokee, DaimlerChrysler is moving on. The company announced that the all-new '02 Jeep Liberty will be offered in the U.S. market with a base price of just $17,035, and that includes the mysterious $585 destination charge. The 4x4 models, however, are slightly more expensive, with the Liberty Sport coming in at $18,545 and the Limited Editions starting at $23,305.
What do you get for all that? The Sport model features a 150hp 2.4L Power Tech engine with a five-speed manual transmission and all of the good interior stuff that Jeeps come with nowadays. DC will also offer the all-new 210hp 3.7L Power Tech V-6 and a multi-speed automatic transmission as an option in the Sport. Limited Editions get the 3.7L and the auto out of the gates, along with all of the creature comforts. Another new edition for the Liberty will be side airbag curtains, which are designed to provide additional head protection for both front and rear occupants.
The Liberty is scheduled for release early this summer, starting with the 3.7L automatic trans models. The 2.4L lineup will be out in the fall. All vehicles will be built at the all-new Toledo North manufacturing facility in Toledo, Ohio.
Industry News
Europa International, Incorporated /G-Wagen U.S.A. recently completed the sale to DaimlerChrysler AG of the U.S. distribution rights for the Mercedes-Benz four-wheel-drive Gelaendewagen for 2002 and future model-years. According to David Holland, President of Europa in Santa Fe, the company's success in importing and selling new G-Wagens in the U.S. market sparked the interest of DC's U.S. affiliate, Mercedes-Benz U.S.A., and led to the decision to purchase Europa's U.S. rights. Mercedes-Benz U.S.A. is expected to begin selling the '02 G-Wagen through its dealer network in early 2002. Europa will continue to provide sales, parts, service, and warranty support for 2001 and the prior model-year G-Wagens through its Santa Fe facility. For more information, visit www.gwagen.com.
Black Diamond Advanced Off-Road Equipment, formerly manufactured and marketed by Warn Industries, has been purchased by Woods Ready Distributing. Woods Ready will continue to use the Black Diamond name, though all corporate offices and manufacturing will be relocated to West Monroe, Louisiana. The company plans to continue the manufacture of much of its products in addition to widely expanding the product line to include most popular domestic and import truck applications. For more information and dealer inquiries, visit the company Web site at www.blackdiamondoffroad.com.