I have this idea that Jeep (or Hummer or Toyota, or Nissan, or Ford, or VW or anyone else) should make a mini 4x4
The utv market is booming, the small Mini Cooper and Smart car market is booming. So why not a really small capable 4x4. Would you be willing to support an IFS or fully independent 4x4 if it had lockers and 3 or 4 to one low range? Something light enough that it would actually survive off road? I am the last guy to support independent suspension IF IT BREAKS EVERY TIME YOU GO OFF ROAD! But I have seen the Yamaha Rhino's get abused and keep going and I think that a small short wheelbase 4x4 might ride better with full independent suspension making it more sale-able to the general public. Plus as much as I want a solid axle truck, I realize that the OEM's can probably make an aweseome IFS/IRS vehicle if they don't get caught up in trying to make it car like and all sissy-fied. We don't want another Jeep Patriot or Compas, or Rav-4. We want a Flatfender we can drive every day. It would need to come with the same size tires as the Rubicon JK, but also get 30 miles per gallon. Daily driver, small wheeler, camper tow behind. All for $18,000 or less. Keep it super simple. Re build the flatfender Jeep or Samurai. The aftermarket will be there to support it. Farmers and ranchers and hunters will all buy one rather than a UTV that can't be driven on the street. Make it work, get good mileage, and be light weight. A commuter car for the 4-wheeler.
Challenge to the OEM's- get your best designers, engineers and marketing folks, take them 4-wheeling, hunting, farming and commuting through a big city. Then lock them in a room with a Rhino, Razor, Mini cooper, Smart car, rock buggy, Samurai, and a Flatfender and see what they come up with.
Am I crazy?