Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept
Fiat Chrysler
DETROIT – America’s quintessential SUV brand, Jeep, wants to shift its reputation from gasoline drinkers to “green” electrified vehicles to attract new buyers and maintain its off-road leadership amid an influx of new competitors.
Jeep is expected to be a key part of the growth and electrification plans for Stellantis, its new parent company formed earlier this year through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and French automaker Groupe PSA.
The brand currently has only three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles available outside the United States and a new PHEV from its flagship Wrangler SUV, a vehicle that will be sold globally, reaching national showrooms over the spring. These vehicles are just the beginning of the brand’s plans, according to Jeep CEO Christian Meunier.
“Our vision is to be the most environmentally friendly SUV brand in the world,” he told CNBC. “We have a very strong plan to deliver this through many exciting products in development.”
Each new Jeep will offer some form of electrification, Meunier said. These plans should include fully electric vehicles, as well as hybrids and PHEVs that combine electrification with internal combustion engines. The vehicles will be sold with a new “4xe” emblem, a joke with the brand’s off-road reputation combined with electrification.
Jeep unveiled on Monday a new all-electric version of the Wrangler as a concept vehicle called “Magneto”. It came months after a Grand Wagoneer concept that was a PHEV. Automakers use concept vehicles to gauge customer interest or show the future direction of a vehicle or brand.
“It is a sustainable and stealthy climbing force,” said Jeep North America vice president Jim Morrison during a media event for Magneto. “It is a zero-emission concept vehicle with a Jeep 4×4 capability taken to the next level.”
It is a task that Meunier says that Jeep is about to accomplish. But reputations and products cannot be changed overnight. It will take years to make the Jeep vision a reality.
“Jeep is long overdue on electrification,” said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Cox Automotive. “It is a huge and ambitious leap to think that they are going to jump to the top of the pile. They have a lot of competition in that regard.”
Why electrify the Jeep?
Why electrify the Jeep after decades of producing SUVs that consume a lot of gas? It is being driven by tightening carbon emission standards and fuel economy regulations around the world. Jeep is also facing pressure from upcoming competitors, such as EV Rivian’s startup and General Motors, which is resurrecting its Hummer nameplate as new all-electric SUVs and off-road pickup trucks.
“Electrification is a great opportunity for us,” said Meunier. “It will open up some new dimensions because we are in full swing with this.”
The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is a fully electric SUV based on a 2020 two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
Jeep
Jeep is by far the best selling brand of Stellantis in the United States. Electric and hybrid jeeps will help the automaker meet fuel economy requirements. The company is spending billions on environmental regulatory credits globally to avoid heavier fines for failing to meet carbon emissions.
In addition to the regulatory benefits, Jeep executives say it makes sense for the billboard brand to be more environmentally friendly. Electrification can also increase vehicle performance, specifically in acceleration and even in some off-road capabilities.
“The Jeep’s DNA is very prepared for electrification,” said Meunier. “The brand is one with nature by definition.”
‘Significant growth’
The Wrangler 4x and PHEV is among a handful of new or redesigned vehicles that will be launched this year for Jeep, most of which have traditional internal combustion engines.
Following the Wrangler 4xe at dealerships is a new three-tier version of the best-selling Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as a redesigned version of the two-tier SUV, including a new PHEV version, later this year. Jeep’s long-awaited Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs are expected to arrive at dealerships’ showrooms during the second half of the year. It is also launching a new V-8 version of the Wrangler.
The new products are expected to lead to “significant growth” for Jeep in the United States, Meunier said. “We have a very, very busy year,” he said. “It will be the year of the Jeep”, adding this year the 80th anniversary of the brand. Jeep launched vehicles in a special edition to commemorate the milestone at the end of last year.
Meunier’s confidence comes despite increased competition in crossovers and SUVs. Most notably, Ford Motor is resurrecting its Bronco SUV as a new “family” of vehicles, including a new crossover called the Bronco Sport and the next more traditional SUV models later this year.
“We will have substantial growth,” said Meunier, citing sustainable growth focused on profit margins and also on building loyalty. “We are going to do it right.”