Could 2014 be the year of Jeep?

MLive.com had the chance to interview Mike Manley, the CEO and President of Jeep, about his thoughts on where the Jeep brand is heading for the duration of 2014.  His view was very optimistic.  In all, the website came away with seven highlights as to what to expect from Jeep all year long.

First, the Cherokee.  It was long delayed and much criticized, but as we have dutifully noted, the reception ended up being quite positive.  Consumers have come to enjoy the new 2014 Cherokee enough that the sales helped propel Jeep into a positive year.  Expect the sales to continue as people latch onto the new Jeep favorite.

Second, more and more sales of Jeep vehicles.  Jeep believes that with the Cherokee leading the charge they will be able to topple 1 million vehicles in 2014.  It’s a lofty and historic goal for the company, one that Sergio Marchionne, CEO and Chairman of Chrysler, things is achievable.

“Whether we hit it or don’t hit it, the fact of the matter is it’s a great number for us to shoot for,” Manley said in the interview.

If the Cherokee is able to get to the 300,000 mark, then it will get the Jeep brand to the goal line.  However, Manley wants to note that all of that success doesn’t simply hinge on the Cherokee as growth should be expected on all Jeep vehicles this year.

Third, Jeep is going global.  This news has been talked about all of last year, but Jeep’s popularity is growing outside of the states.  2014 will see Jeep entering into many more foreign markets, especially in China where Jeeps are in high demand at the moment.  Manley is quick to reassure American fans that this new focus on the foreign market will not take away from the quality of Jeep here at home in the states.

Which segues into the next point, embracing heritage.  This is not a concept that Jeep has struggled with.  It was one of the major early criticisms of the Cherokee, for being one of the first Jeeps in ages that has changed what has become tradition.  Manley and Marchionne are still looking to assure fans that in the coming year, change is coming, but change doesn’t mean breaking from what made the Jeep what it is today.

One of those changes, a smaller Jeep.  While there is no word on what exactly is meant by that, Jeep is developing an all-new vehicle that will first launch in Europe this year and be brought state-side in 2015.  Manley commented that a name has been chosen, but will not let anyone know until the debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2014.

To read the full seven points and bits with the interview between the website and Mike Manley, check it out here.  For more information on the Jeep Cherokee and other Jeep vehicles, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  Check out our new and used line-up on our website as well.  Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on vehicle news and special monthly offers.