Introducing the Latest Plug-In Hybrid Models on Offer
Antonio Filosa, the newly appointed CEO of Jeep, has revealed his plan for upcoming product releases and overall strategy for the brand.
Addressing reporters at a media briefing, Filosa announced that the fully electric Wagoneer S model will begin production later this year. The initial batch of this eco-friendly SUV will roll off the manufacturing line in the second quarter, and it will hit the market officially in Q3.
Featuring a sleek design and impressive capabilities, the Wagoneer S is anticipated to enter the market as a sporty SUV aimed at rivaling the Cadillac Lyriq and Mercedes EQE SUV. With an astonishing 600 horsepower available, it boasts an estimated acceleration time of less than 3.5 seconds. What sets this vehicle apart is that it will be the inaugural Jeep model built on the STLA Large platform.
The upcoming Recon, an electric substitute for the Wrangler, is projected to hit the market by the end of 2024.
It is still unknown when the Recon will be put into production by the automaker based in Toledo. However, it is expected to have a considerable tenure for MY2024. Jeep’s goal is to sell 10,000 electric vehicles by the end of the year, and with two new models in the works, the brand predicts high numbers in sales.
Filosa is unfazed by the possibility of the electric SUVs competing against each other for sales, as he believes that they are targeted towards distinct consumers.Furthermore, he emphasized that the two models cater to different markets, thus minimizing the risk of internal competition.
The demand for electric vehicles has diminished in recent times, causing car manufacturers to reevaluate their plans for electrification. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is now prioritizing the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, similar to the approach taken by Mercedes-Benz. As one of the top-selling Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in the US, it would be logical for Jeep to broaden its range of hybrid options by introducing more models like the popular Wrangler 4xe.
As of now, Jeep has not officially announced which hybrid vehicles will be released by 2025. However, it is likely that the popular Gladiator model will finally receive a hybrid version. Jeep’s goal is to reach sales of 175,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by the conclusion of 2024.
In the upcoming months, it is anticipated that the Compass, Cherokee, and potentially the Grand Cherokee will undergo facelifts. These vehicles may also see the addition of 4xe hybrid drivetrains and other updates during their mid-life refresh. Earlier this year, both the Wrangler and Gladiator received minor cosmetic changes, with the latter also experiencing price reductions. Similarly, the Grand Cherokee has recently undergone significant price slashes.
According to Filosa, Jeep plans to decrease expenses by bargaining with suppliers to maintain affordable prices for both traditional and electric cars. The higher-end Wagoneer series, which has always been kept separate from the rest of Jeep’s offerings, will now incorporate more Jeep branding for a stronger cohesive image.
According to Automotive News, the CEO acknowledges that the company’s past attempts at branding were “somewhat muddled.” Moving forward, Jeep plans to collaborate more closely with its dealerships to gather valuable input and recommendations. Filosa stated, “We are actively engaging with our dealers and actively listening to their insights on a daily basis.”
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