“That is absolutely a value offer for the buyer,” Tavon Brooks, director of Jeep brand product in North America, stated.
Jeep is gathering data on consumer preferences in the plug-in hybrid category with the Wrangler 4xe.
The Wrangler 4xe has attracted a younger, more educated demographic that enjoys the outdoors. Morrison hopes for more of the same with the Grand Cherokee, but noted that the brand is considering additional factors.
“Sometimes demographics have a role, and other times psychographics and attitude play a role,” Morrison explained. “It’s all about the Jeep and the connection to the great outdoors. As we work to grow 4xe technology into the next generation of 4×4, the instant link to freedom and adventure is natural for us.”
According to Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, Jeep has identified a sizable market of consumers seeking capability while conserving gasoline.
“The success of the Wrangler 4xe suggests that consumers of the more sophisticated Grand Cherokee would enjoy the benefits of a plug-in hybrid,” Fiorani added.
The rising 4xe line may also help Stellantis offset emissions from its Hemi truck sales, decreasing the company’s need on third-party carbon credits, Fiorani added.
“Tax incentives enable manufacturers to increase the price of these innovative technology, so increasing their profitability,” he explained. “This is a win-win situation for Stellantis.”
According to Randy Dye, chairman of the Stellantis National Dealer Council, the Wrangler 4xe has garnered purchasers from a diverse population. Dye, who owns Daytona Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram in Florida, believes that many more people are purchasing the Wrangler 4xe than he anticipated.
Dye believes the Grand Cherokee 4xe may have even greater popular appeal.
“I believe there will be a significant number of folks attracted to the Grand Cherokee who are not members of the normal Jeep family,” Dye added. “We’ll have our loyalists, of course, but I believe you’ll see a lot of new faces in this one.”