Can Jeep keep it up?

[Jimmyb]

Jeep is going gangbusters, especially in the US, where it is responsible for 25% of all new car sales growth, and has boosted its sales by 44% in the last year.

This, from a US manufacturer that not that long ago was bankrupt, taken over by a European company with a stable of some relatively marginal brands and a less than stellar history in being profitable, or reliable.

Despite Fiat’s history, its takeover has been fantastic for Jeep, and Chrysler as a whole. New models, new platforms, a move away from MB cast-offs as running gear, better quality, and better cosmetics, inside and out.

Even challenging vehicles, such as the Cherokee, which was viewed with concern by many long term jeep owners, has defied those poor expectations and is selling extremely well. The Grand Cherokee goes from strength to strength, and anticipation for the mini-sized Renegade by all accounts is extremely high.

Is this a temporary blip thanks to the novelty factor? Can Jeep keep its sales success going, or will it sink back to the kind of low single digit market share that fans of other brands* would like it to?

The Grand Cherokee shows that it won’t be a one-off. Since its launch a few years ago the model has sold extremely well, and has been upgraded over its short life. It proves that Jeep, and Fiat can do it.

So, in my opinion, the company is very much on the right track. Vehicles for everyone who wants something other than a sedan - everything from a tiny CUV to proper offroaders. It has work ahead of it to further tighten up its range, but it is well set up for the next decade.

Of course, the sales growth won’t be maintained. No company could do this astonishing level, however, when the run is over Jeep won’t drop back to where it was before the Fiat takeover, instead it will return to more modest, and sustainable industry standard growth. Also, with more efficient vehicles they’ll be better positioned against fuel price rises, and I anticipate a hybrid drive train in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee in the next few years to address this further.

*(I should point out that I’ve recently been informed, but have no proof, that Toyota owners are actually people too).

Word by: Charles Kooij

[rjvines]

IMHO derived from a sample of one, Jeeps continuing success will come from improving the reliability & recall issues while maintaining their comparatively low purchase price.
I bought my JKU because it stood out in the value + capability equation.
It hasn't broken down me yet (30K kms) but if reliability becomes an issue ill look elsewhere for my next ride.

[crdv6]

Now that Jeep is having so much success (great ads, great vehicles and good value for money) it would be a good time for them to invest some effort into building a better relationship with their customers. They won't keep coming back for more if they treat then with disdain. They need to take more notice of complaints, offer better pricing on servicing and spare parts and put pressure on the dealers to give better service.

[fwdjeep]

Originally Posted by crdv6

Now that Jeep is having so much success (great ads, great vehicles and good value for money) it would be a good time for them to invest some effort into building a better relationship with their customers. They won't keep coming back for more if they treat then with disdain. They need to take more notice of complaints, offer better pricing on servicing and spare parts and put pressure on the dealers to give better service.

Nice dream but not sure about reality.

[bleetnblurt]

oh what a feeling ?
(shoulda bought a jeep) LOL.

[The Chief]

There are some good dealer specials in Jeep Action Magazine