Middle East Paper Gives Lodi Mention, Jeep Convention Inspired Manila Man’s WWII Restorations

Qatar, Manilla [gulf-times.com] -

Lodi Gets a Shout out from Qatar!

The Middle Eastern Newspaper, The Gulf Times, just posted a story (4 hours ago) giving Lodi an overseas mention. It seems that a Philippine firm, that restores old World War II jeeps, was inspired by a visit to Lodi, Ca.

Company vice president Raphael Juan, grandson of the founder, says the same people who once supplied his grandfather with surplus jeep parts asked if he could provide reproduction parts for their vintage jeeps.

This led the company to set up a stamping factory that eventually grew to making various parts for those wanting to restore their old jeeps.

Rapahel Juan says about 80% of its jeeps are exported to the United States with 20% going to other countries. France and the Netherlands are two other big buyers where local enthusiasts want vehicles that look just like World War II originals.

Although nostalgic World War II veterans may be passing away, the market for the jeeps does not seem to be getting any smaller.

“Recently, when we went to a jeep convention in Lodi, California we noticed there were new enthusiasts in the market who are younger,” Juan said.
The company has also gone into jeep-oriented ventures, making small jeep bodies in which the hobbyist can install a lawnmower or golf cart engine to produce a jeep a child can drive.

Read the full story here.

Also picked up by the Arab Times as well.

Tags: Lodi, Restorations, Kuwait, Qatar, Middle East, Jeep

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