Jeep Starts the New Year Strong!

Untitled“In late 2009, we set out on a course to quickly renew our entire vehicle lineup, with a focus on legendary Jeep capability combined with improved on-road driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and world-class craftsmanship. Clearly customers have appreciated the unique combination of attributes that Jeep vehicles offer.”

That was what Mike Manley, the President and CEO of Jeep Brand had to say about the news that greeted him into the new year. It’s already been known that Chrysler had a stellar year in 2012, out doing all the other major auto makers. The one brand name under Chrysler that really exceeded the rest, however, was Jeep. The mission that Manley set out to accomplish in the bleak years following the down turn of the economy and fall of the auto industry seem to have paid off if 2012 is an indicator of things to come.

Jeep vehicle sales increased 19 percent globally in 2012 over the previous year. That’s higher than the sales high they enjoyed back in 1999 which is also their record for global sales. The Jeep Grand Cherokee in particular is a standout. Already the most award SUV ever, its sales in the US total 154, 734. The best it’s had since 2005. Wrangler came in right behind it, and the Jeep Compass next.

The future is bright still for the upcoming year. Jeep is putting resources into making sure that this is just the start of things to come. Manley continues to explain why it’s wise to keep your eyes on them in 2013, “We expect to continue our sales momentum in 2013 with the introduction of an all-new mid-size Jeep SUV, as well as the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be available with a new, clean-diesel engine.”

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Jeep Announces New SUV Model

libertyAs part of a bigger expansion plan, Jeep has announced that it will be producing a smaller SUV model at its plant in Melfi, Italy.

This new SUV is not the previously announced replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot but rather a whole new model. Even though the new, smaller SUV will be built in Italy, Jeep plants in the United States have no need to fear. The Compass/Patriot replacement will be built in the United States, and Chrysler currently plans on adding over 1,100 workers to the Toledo plant next year.

Chrysler’s majority owner Fiat expects that production of this smaller SUV and another new Fiat model at the Melfi plant will help the local economy as well as increase auto sales in Europe. Also, the Melfi plant has been underutilized of late, and it makes sense to put it to good use.

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Jeep Fans: What to Expect in 2013

Christmas is right around the corner and New Years right behind that. For Jeep fans, a new year beings with it a new outlook for the brand.

Motor Authority has the break down of what to expect from Jeep in 2013. First up will be the big reveal of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Plans for the unveiling are set for the Detroit Auto Show in January of 2013. Not much is known at this point other than a modern style change. There is a new 3.0 liter V-6 turbodiesel variant known as the “Eco-Diesel.” Estimates have it at 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque with 28 mpg fuel economy.

Next up will be the new Liberty Jeep has planned for May 2013. The auto maker wants to help the Liberty capture a whole new part of the driving community by designing it to be more comparable to the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. In order to accomplish that goal, the new jeep will be lighter and “better behaved on the road” while still having a next generation all-wheel-drive.

After that, at an unspecified date, Jeep will be bringing out a new kit for the Wrangler. What this is exactly is unknown at this point, but there is some rumors. Jeep is only saying that it’ll allow drivers to do something they’ve never been able to do before.

Also on the list for things to happen in Jeep over the course of the year will be replacing the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Patriot. Speculation has it that the platform responsible for this years new Dodge Dart will be used for the crossover.

There will be plenty more details and surprise as the year comes to be. Nice to know what to be excited from Jeep. Check out the current Jeep line-up online at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can view our new and pre-owned inventory on our website. Like us on Facebook and follow our Twitter to see more Jeep news and eals!