The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL might not last long. In fact, the all-new Wrangler might only enjoy one month of production. But that’s not because Jeep is canning its multi-million dollar makeover of its bread-n-butter SUV, rather, Jeep will begin manufacturing 2019 model year Wranglers on January 2, 2018. Yep, only one month after the Wrangler JL arrives in showrooms; the 2018 model will make way for the upcoming model year – at least that’s according to an insider source for Allpar who is said to be reliable.

This is an unprecedented move by Jeep to begin production of the next model year so early within the calendar year. Generally, automakers wait until mid-summer to release the next model year, with the first big waves of stock hitting dealership showrooms in August and September. So why January 2? Well, January 1 is a holiday, making the 2nd the earliest legal date Jeep can build a 2019 production vehicle.

Putting the pieces from several rumors together, this could mean all 2018 Jeep Wrangler JLs will be the four-door Unlimited version. A past report suggested the two-door Wrangler wouldn’t arrive until February 2018. It also means the Wrangler JL-based pickup truck, the Scrambler, could begin production within the same 2019 model year.

That same insider source for Allpar had also broke news the current Jeep Wrangler JK will remain in production through March 2018. It was later confirmed by Jeep that the JK would overlap production of the JL into the 2018 calendar year. That will likely give Jeep the chance to deplete its stockpile of JK parts while smoothly transitioning into JL production and supplies for dealerships across North America and around the world.

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Jeep Wrangler

Read our full speculative review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL.

Read our full review on the 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK.