Welcome to The Steel Armadillo

[AJeepZJ]

I am throwing a wet-nap in here. I am always thinking about the market size. Is there enough of a market to
warrant the entry of another developer? I forsee the downfall of the other forum, which is a commercial enterprise,
since Chrysler discontinued production of the Commander. A few years from now, they will have few supporters
and less need of a Commander site.

This is not a high valued class or truly unique class of vehicles where everyone is clamoring to get a Commander.

I may be wrong, and thats ok too. if I am wrong, the markets thrive and all is well.

However, in my personal experience vehicles like the lateer model Land Rovers and Land Cruisers are now out on the trail. A few years ago, they were someones $50,000 Luxo Ute. Availability of Commanders are there, and the price is getting into a place were enthusiats can justify taking one out on the trail. It could totally fall out from under us though, I just hope not.

I have certain points to make that might make you think twice. I'll kind of discuss each.

1. The XK platform rides on the shoulders of the WK. (we hear this all the time. Virtually anything that comes out, with the exception of bumpers will most likely apply to the XK. This point is self-explanatory.

2. As stated previously, the XK is getting cheaper. Which translates to a broader range of folks purchasing it. This point is also self explanatory.

3. I think the most important point is the sustainability or even profitability of this segment of the market... the XK/WK market. Granted the % of folks wheeling the WK/XK is small, the variable you guys are forgetting the most that can really effect this market are YOU. We already KNOW there are 100,000's of WK/XK's on the road. So there is endless possibilities for this market. I think what you guys are forgetting is the exposure factor, and showing folks the possibilities of what it is capable of becoming. When you guys are about driving around town in your WK's and XK's people DO take notice. I think you are really forgetting the impression these vehicles make. Someone started this trend and it has not slowed down... (even in this economy). At the 'other forum' had no build threads, not a whole lot of modified anything. VERY few with 3" lifts, let alone a 4" lift. When you take elegance, class and 4x4 capability and then inject it with rugged ambition - it is an entirely different specie of Jeep. It's not like so many other vehicles where if you lift it, it looks like garbage or really unattractive.... It also doesn't look inappropriate when you lift it either. These vehicles look solid, like they were meant for 2-4" lifts.

One really good example a few weekends ago. Sal let me drive his XK to the Autozone (Thanks Sal - it was FUN) - At every intersection and in that parking lot - I could FEEL eyes all over it. I remember asking Sal... "do people always stare that hard at the Jeep when you drive it?" Sal: "yes".

So anyway my main point is that I feel the 'domino' effect has already started for the WK/XK platforms - We have a few dedicated vendors/manufacturers and what started with just a few has grown into some really unique market. We don't see it as such now, but we are at the forefront for the WK/XK mods era. I never saw a lifted WJ until 2 years after the WK was released. The WK/XK are on schedule. The exposure from the modified crowd is the most important factor - That exposure alone may be enough to convince current owners of WK's/ XK's to take them to the next level.

(I honestly never thought to modify my WK, until I saw a burgandy WK clearly on a 3" lift and 32's drive up and pass me while getting on the free way... heading west on 540 into the sunset. I still have a picture in my mind of how that WK looked with the sun behind it... The light hit it just right, it looked awesome.)