The FCA Group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) in the presentation of its business plan for the years 2018-2022, gave great prominence to the Jeep . And no wonder: it is currently FCA's most valuable brand, the one with the greatest global potential — both commercially and profitably — and whose range is made up solely of SUVs, the fastest-growing type of vehicle on the planet.
What stands out most are not just the new products — we'll be there soon — but the rampant electrification that we'll see in the American manufacturer. Until 2022, year of completion of the announced business plan and if it is fully implemented, Jeep will have 10 hybrid proposals in its portfolio — between semi-hybrids and plug-in hybrids — and four 100% electric.
The brand will also embrace the technological advances we see in the industry in connectivity and self-driving — virtually the entire range will feature self-driving Level 3 by 2022.
the smallest jeep
Unlike Alfa Romeo and Maserati, whose plans revealed the discontinuation of some models until 2022, Jeep keeps all its models and adds some, covering, according to this one, all market segments, from A to F.
And starting with the lower segment, Jeep will present a new model below the renegade , less than 4.0 m in length, destined for the European, Indian and Chinese markets.
Despite its size, it will still be a true Jeep — it will have versions with all-wheel drive and even “Trail Rated” variants, that is, capable of facing obstacles that leave other SUV/Crossovers in a cold sweat. It will also be partially electrified — Jeep does not say whether it will be a mild-hybrid, hybrid or plug-in hybrid — and with a focus on connectivity.
The biggest Jeep
At the other extreme, above the Grand Cherokee, with the aim of taking on industry heavyweights such as the Range Rover, the US brand will present the long-awaited and long-awaited Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer . We already knew it from the previous business plan, but indecisions in terms of the base it would resort to, dictated its postponement until the end of the decade.In addition to a strong commitment to interior luxury, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will also discover electrified versions and Level 3 of autonomous driving.
Jeep pick-up? Yea
Moreover, until 2022, we will have new generations of the Renegade, the Cherokee (which received a restyling this year) and the Grand Cherokee and a refreshed Compass. The Grand Cherokee will be accompanied by a new SUV with seven seats — but it won't be the only Jeep with this capacity.
The Grand Commander, a seven-seat SUV specifically for China, is already on sale, and another is planned for the South American market.
The Wrangler, the brand's ex libris, will see several developments, the most interesting of which will be the add of a pickup based on this — a model long requested by Americans. In addition to the new typology, the Wrangler will also be electrified — the 2.0 Turbo gasoline engine is already proposed with a semi-hybrid system — with a plug-in hybrid variant and even an electric one.
goodbye diesel
Rumors were already circulating that the FCA group would abandon Diesel, and now we can confirm it. It will be a wide-ranging decision for the entire group — however, the commercials should keep the Diesels post-2022 — which includes the Jeep models.
In order to ensure compliance with the CO2 reduction targets, a strong investment in the electrification of the portfolio is justified, which comprises different levels of electrification — from semi-hybrid to fully electric. Among the electrics, the Renegade is one of four promised zero-emissions models.
Deserthawk, high performance for the desert
Finally, Jeep introduced a new sub-brand. We already knew the Trailhawk , the most extreme Jeep for off-roading; and the Grand Cherokee debuted the sub-brand trackhawk , the ultimate Jeep to the asphalt; now we will also have the deserthawk , high performance models prepared for the desert sands.
Reminiscent of the logic behind “monsters” like the Ford F-150 Raptor — if the 911 GT3 were a pick-up —, which seem more ready to participate, always “in the depths” of any Baja. Jeep could not be left out of this lucrative niche, which will represent a price differential between 5 and 10 thousand dollars compared to regular versions.