Jeep to boost European sales with greener models, more dealers

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Since Fiat assumed its stake in Chrysler almost two years ago, we have heard much about plans to bring European cars stateside and either rebadge them with one of Chrysler’s American brands, or establish new brands in the US market altogether.

Apparently, there are plans to move units both ways across the Atlantic, as Chrysler Group’s Jeep brand is aiming to boost its annual unit sales in the European market 500% by 2014. CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat, Sergio Marchionne wants to see Jeep’s global annual sales break the 800,000 unit mark by that year, having sold 420,000 units last year.

As the brands biggest export market, Europe will be crucial in Jeep attaining its global target. “Europe for Jeep is an incredibly important market. We have been here for 30 years and half of our international sales historically were in Europe,”, brand CEO Mike Manley said.

In order to make its mark, Jeep will be expanding distribution in Europe, as well as altering its current portfolio of vehicles, to include three fuel-efficient SUVs, as European consumers are subject to emission-based car taxes.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News