Jeep’s Product Plans

With new ownership under Fiat, and confused snazzy new commercials for the Jeep brand, its only right to expect that the Italian auto maker will be drawing up plans for a new and improved SUV lineup.  The only real brand worth anything in the Chrysler group, Fiat needs to tread lightly.  A great reputation, and strong overseas potential could mean big business if managed correctly.  Here’s what they’re thinking for the next few years:

Extra-Small SUV: Scheduled for 2013, it will most likely be based on Fiat’s Panda.  The well-reviewed Panda is a very small, practical, tallish utility vehicle.  Whether it fits in with the Jeep image remains to be seen, especially given the success of the Patriot and Compass twins.  Lets hope for a thorough re-do and leave judgment for when the actual product comes out.

Small SUV: Nothing wrong with being in this segment, its just that the Patriot and Compass aren’t very good.  But since they are relatively new products, expect them to be around for a little longer until they can be replaced with something based on a Fiat.  Look for a new model around 2014.

Mid-size SUV: A critical model for Jeep, the Liberty will be updated for 2010.  This could mean big money for Fiat if they get the product right, they’re planning a replacement based off one of their own SUVs around 2014.

Wrangler: The heart and soul of the brand, Fiat has no plans to base this off one of their own products.  Other than scheduled updates, the Wrangler stays a Wrangler.  Good idea.

Commander: Practically cancelled as soon as they started making it, this has never been a success for Jeep.  Blame it on the looks only a mother could love and the funky third row.  Fiat has no plans as of now to continue operating in this segment.  A shame, as something like the Rescue concept could easily win hearts and minds.

Grand Cherokee: If the Wrangler is the iconic bad boy, the Grand Cherokee is the suave and very successful older brother.  This model is pretty much done, expect to see it this spring or summer.  It’s a a totally new model with a more upscale interior and smoother more refined exterior, should do well.