Jeep Wrangler Faces Challenge of New Fuel Regulations

Posted on July 17, 2014 by baysideadmin

There is heavy speculation as to how the next Jeep Wrangler is going to be able to handle the stricter regulations from the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) rules. SUVs are notorious for their fuel consumption. The Motor Report has a theory on just how the new Jeep Wrangler will be able to deal with the regulations while still offering the quality drivers expect.

Lightweight materials will be playing a major part of how. The Motor Report points out that Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler, has been hinting at using an aluminum architecture. The use of this material would decrease the weight on the new Wrangler.

A new transmission could help a lot in fuel saving as well. The Grand Cherokee was recently given a eight-speed automatic transmission which could be used in a future Wrangler model.

Another possible change could come from the engine, a smaller engine. This may put fear in the hearts and minds of the loyal Jeep fans, but don’t lose hope. Mike Manley, the CEO of Jeep, said “One thing that we will not do is dilute what Wrangler stands for. I killed the two-wheel-drive Wrangler when I took over the brand, and I’m not bringing the two-wheel-drive Wrangler back.”

For more information on the current Jeep Wrangler and other Jeep products, such as the new Jeep Cherokee, contact us at Bayside ChryslerJeep Dodge. Be sure to like us onFacebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly deals on new and used vehicles.

What to Expect From Jeep in 2014

Posted on February 20, 2014 by baysideadmin

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.

2014 Jeep Liberty Prototype Spotted!

Posted on October 19, 2012 by baysideadmin

If you want to see the next generation of cars out in the wild, you might want to stick around the offices of Automobile Magazine. For whatever the reason is, they seemingly have all the luck. Just the other day, they not only got to see a pre-production Buick Encore and a Citroen DS5, but they also managed to catch a glimpse (and some pictures) of the prototype for the 2014 Jeep Liberty.

Cloaked in complete black with no real discernible features didn’t keep the editors at Automobile Magazine from realizing they were getting a sneak peak at something special. Under that disguise, they were able to recognize core features that pointed to this being the future of Jeep. Most notably is that it is similar to a Jeep prototype they caught sight of in April and then there’s also the seven-slot Jeep grille.

The 2014 Jeep is expected to take many of the lessons learned in the 2013 Dodge Dart and put them to use. It’ll likely have a 1.4-liter turbo-four. For buyers looking for more power, a 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 may be a variant seeing as how it’s also being offered for the Dart. It’s too early to set anything in stone, but definitely expect there to be powerful options as Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne promised that the new Liberty will still be a “trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep.”

No word yet on when to expect any official word on the 2014 Jeep Liberty, but production of said vehicle is slated to begin next year at the Toledo, Ohio plant. Keep current on any news about it by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You can view the current Jeep line-up online at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.