The primary all-electric Jeep could not arrive at US dealerships this fall as deliberate. In response to Jeep’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, the corporate’s first EV might launch later than anticipated. As Filosa made clear, “no launch if the standard isn’t excellent.”
Jeep’s first EV might nonetheless be delayed within the US
Jeep unveiled its first international electrical SUV, the Wagoneer S, in Could. Filosa boasted that the Wagoneer S is “distinctively a Jeep and 100% electrical in each approach. “
You possibly can see that Jeep has not swayed from its roots, with iconic design parts that consumers anticipate from the rugged SUV maker.
Jeep did infuse fashionable updates like a redesigned seven-slot grille with ambient solid lightning to tell apart it as an EV. It’s additionally Jeep’s most aerodynamic SUV but, with a CD of simply 0.29.
On the within, you will see Jeep’s newest tech and software program, together with an enormous “best-in-class” show with over 45″ of display screen house.
Jeep stated the Wagoneer S will arrive at dealerships this fall with a beginning value of $71,995. Nonetheless, that might not be the case.
Filosa stated the electrical Wagoneer is nearly prepared, but when its high quality is less than par, it could not launch on time. Talking with Automotive Information, Filosa made clear, “No launch if the standard isn’t excellent.”
As Jeep’s first electrical SUV for North America, its most vital market, the Wagoneer S, is essential because it seems to revamp the model.
“I need excellent high quality, and I do know that we’re shut, however shut is just not adequate,” Filosa defined. Jeep’s CEO stated high quality is extra vital than timing, suggesting its first EV might nonetheless be delayed.
Reversing slumping gross sales
With gross sales slipping over the previous 5 years, Jeep’s electrical SUV is important because the model seems to reverse falling gross sales.
Nonetheless, it’s just one half. Following the Wagoneer S, Jeep will introduce its Wrangler-inspired Recon EV.
The electrical Jeep Recon options Wrangler-like choices like detachable doorways and home windows. Jeep additionally plans to launch a brand new mainstream crossover and an electrical Renegade priced underneath $25,000.
Different Jeep fashions due for an electrical improve embrace the Gladiator and Grand Cherokee, however these usually are not anticipated to enter manufacturing till at the very least 2027.
Though Jeep’s US gross sales fell one other 19% within the second quarter after slipping 9.3% in Q1, the model stays eager for the second half of 2024.
Jeep lately slashed costs on standard fashions, together with the Grand Cherokee and Compass, which helps clear stock. In response to Filosa, Jeep’s stock on seller tons fell by 12% from July 1 to the tip of August.
After gross sales spiked 12% in August, Jeep’s market share rose 22%. The Grand Cherokee and Compass fashions have been Jeep’s most important progress drivers, with their greatest retail gross sales month in almost two years.
Filosa stated additional value cuts might be coming for 2025 Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Gladiator fashions.
