Jeep’s revival plans for its Grand Wagoneer nameplate date back all the way to 2011, but we now have confirmation of the vehicle’s development and a date of release. The confirmation was made during yesterday’s Fiat Chrysler Automobiles five-year strategy announcement, where we also learned about the future of Jeep’s entire portfolio of vehicles.
FCA wants to see Jeep return to the number one spot when it comes to sales of SUVs and crossovers (at present it’s ranked sixth), and it plans to do so by strengthening the brand’s rugged image, growing its production and distribution footprint, and launching all-new models. Essentially, Jeep’s localized portfolio will be expanded from five nameplates built in one country to six nameplates in six countries (new locations will include Brazil, China, India, Italy and possibly Canada or Mexico).
FCA estimates Jeep sales to top one million units this year, up from roughly 732,000 units last year, but by 2018 it hopes Jeep sales will reach 1.83 million units annually. While North America accounts for most Jeep sales at present, FCA sees the Asia Pacific region growing to be the dominant market in the near future.
So what about the new models? Below is a rough outline for Jeep’s future over the five-year period starting 2014:
2014: New Renegade subcompact launched.
2015: Grand Cherokee to receive major update.
2016: Patriot and Compass to be replaced by new compact crossover. Cherokee small SUV to receive major update.
2017: Renegade to receive major update and new versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee to be launched.
2018: New Grand Wagoneer to be launched.
Few details about the new models were specified but the Grand Wagoneer was confirmed to feature third-row seating. As previously reported, the new Wrangler will likely be lighter than the current model, come with independent suspension, and offer more engine options.
To read about the future plans of other FCA brands, hit the links below:
