Jeep Scrambler Bumped For Stretched Wrangler
For those of you who were anxiously awaiting the debut of the much-anticipated '05 Jeep Scrambler, don't start celebrating just yet. Chrysler announced that it has called off plans to manufacture the Wrangler-bodied pickup based on the popular Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 produced from 1981-1986. Instead, the company will move ahead with a stretched version of the Wrangler described as the '05 Jeep Unlimited. Scrambler fans shouldn't panic, as it's still not clear whether the Scrambler vehicle project is dead, or simply postponed. The new Jeep Unlimited model is slated to land on showroom floors in 2004.Randy's Ring & Pinion was selected by Inc. Magazine as one of America's 500 fastest-growing private companies. "Randy's Girls" are just one example of the many good business practices that led to this honorable distinction.
Friends Of The Rubicon
Everybody should be so lucky as to have a group of buddies such as Friends of the Rubicon. It's especially lucky for the Rubicon Trail, the namesake of the organization as it's the recipient of the lion's share of those friendly benefits. Spearheaded by land-use advocate Del Albright, Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) was created specifically to protect public access to the Rubicon OHV route and surrounding area. In a recent pro-active effort to address environmental concerns, the group completed a number of conservation projects targeting five separate sections of the Rubicon Trail.
Armed with shovels, picks, pry bars, and winch-equipped 4x4s, a mass of FOTR volunteers went to work on the trail. The conservation projects ranged from creating rock-lined drainage channels designed to divert standing water off the trail to back-filling muddy areas with rock to prevent erosion. Satisfied with the work the organization had completed, Albright stated, "These volunteers are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to keep this trail open for future generations." For more information about Friends of the Rubicon or how to protect trails in your area, check out the group's Web site at www.friendsoftherubicon.com.
Liberty Suspension Recall
Citing a problematic front suspension, DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 438,000 Toledo-made Jeep Libertys. The worldwide recall will affect all '02 models and '03 models built through March. Although the company has received just 47 complaints and there have been no injuries, Chrysler will address the issue involving the lower ball joint seal, which could become damaged and result in a loss of control of the vehicle. Design and production problems are said to have contributed to the problem, which includes mechanical damage to the ball joint during assembly, improper positioning of the seal during assembly, and heat from brake rotors during excessive use. All recalled Libertys will be equipped with a heatshield; about 318,000 will receive new ball joints; and 120,000 will, at the very least, be inspected.
Randy's R&P Makes Inc. 500
Boasting a 350 percent growth rate over the last five years, Randy's Ring & Pinion of Everett, Washington, was selected by Inc. Magazine as one of America's 500 fastest-growing private companies. This is also a bold distinction for the four-wheel-drive aftermarket, indicating that this industry is on the rise. Ranking companies according to sales growth over the past five years, the Inc. 500 is a prescient indicator of the companies and industries that are driving the economy forward. Other companies that have appeared on the list prior to becoming industry powerhouses include Microsoft, Timberland, Oracle, and Domino's Pizza.
"The entrepreneurs you'll find on the Inc. 500 have the type of attitude we need to get this economy moving again," said Inc. Editor-in-Chief John Koten. "For them, a tough market is not an excuse for poor performance, but an opportunity to innovate and rise above the competition." Randy Lyman, president of Randy's Ring & Pinion, stated, "At Randy's, our employees work together to maintain our leadership position as the one-stop source for differential parts and service." Randy also credited success with emphasis on three core values: integrity, quality, and excellent customer service.