Future Jeep Brand Developments

Of Chrysler’s four brands, Jeep will likely have the easiest road ahead of it, but that doesn’t stop it from soldiering forward with a new lineup of products over the next four years. The biggest task that the iconic Jeep brand has ahead of it is focusing on its core strength of off-road capabilities while delivering a vehicle that is stylish, attractive and comfortable to drive. Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep brand, said that Jeep will begin using Fiat platforms in 2013 without sacrificing the rugged “Trail Rated” abilities expected from a Jeep vehicle. To capture the true sprit of both a Jeep vehicle and the nature of a Jeep owner, the brand is introducing a new slogan: “i live. i ride. i am. Jeep.”

Kicking off the brand’s 70th anniversary in 2011, Jeep will be introducing the redesigned Grand Cherokee for the 2011 model year. With the Jeep Commander being phased out after 2010, the Grand Cherokee will stand as the flagship model for Jeep. As such, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will feature an exceptional on-road refinement to match its rugged off-road capabilities. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, each Jeep model will offer a special commemorative edition.

The Jeep Wrangler, which is said to be Sergio Marchionne’s favorite vehicle, will receive numerous updates over the next two model years with major modifications for each year. While the 2011 Jeep Wrangler will get a heavily revised interior that is both more attractive yet still functional to a Jeep, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler will get significant powertrain updates that will add excitement and fuel economy. No word yet on what the future plans are for the Wrangler’s engine and/or transmission updates. Looking into the future, Manley made assurances that the Wrangler will remain a body-on-frame vehicle with solid front and rear axles.

Next year will also see changes for two of the most disappointing Jeep vehicles of all time, the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass. Both vehicles will receive dramatic exterior changes before being phased out in 2013 to make way for an all-new C-segment vehicle based on a Fiat platform. Slotting in beneath this new model, Jeep will also be adding a new B-segment model that is also derived from a Fiat platform.

As for the Jeep Liberty, it will get a mid-cycle refresh in 2010 and be replaced by a Fiat-based vehicle in 2013. There is no indication what Fiat platforms will underpin the future Jeep models, but Fiat currently offers small, fuel-efficient vehicles, such as the Fiat Panda, that are also capable off road as well.