Wrangler pickup confirmed by David Zatz on

Fiat Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne confirmed that a Wrangler pickup has been confirmed and will be built, speaking today in front of select media. The pickup is to appear by the end of 2017, indicating a faster schedule than some had anticipated.

The live-streamed event is currently being broadcast without sound.

Mr. Marchionne told Reuters earlier today that FCA had an adjusted operating profit of around $5 billion, and should see its net debt drop. Mr. Marchionne said the year was above expectations.

Mr. Marchionne refused to confirm the 2018 goal of selling seven million cars, while adding that they would meet their financial targets, including eliminating its net industrial debt. Any mergers will wait for a cleaner balance sheet.

A new product plan is set for the end of January, reflecting changes in the market.

Originally posted on January 11, 2016, at 1:28 pm EST.