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Jeep sales have been on a noticeable decline recently, with sales slipping by an alarming 330,227 units between 2018 and 2023. But new CEO Antonio Filosa is looking to stop the downward spiral, and bringing sales up to the one million mark is set as his main objective. Aside from recent price cuts, Jeep is also looking to attract more buyers to its showrooms with a pair of new electric models on the way––the rugged Recon and more road-going Wagoneer S. But with EVs experiencing drops in demand, the brand is now looking at producing gas-powered versions to further boost sales.
Filosa first hinted at possible combustion variants for Jeep's upcoming EVs in an interview with Automotive News. He admitted that some Recon and Wagoneer S buyers might rather have an engine under the hood, and he stressed that Jeep needs to keep those customers interested before another brand turns them away. Offering an identical gas version would not only keep buyers from walking away, but it would also allow the brand to offer both models at a lower price than their EV counterparts.
A gas-powered Recon would be particularly attractive for cost-conscious buyers, especially after Jeep recently let go of two of its most affordable models, the Renegade and Cherokee. While the EV's position as an electric Wrangler alternative makes sense, an ICE variant could also prove popular by offering that same Wrangler-like package for an even more tempting price. The larger Wagoneer S is likely to stay at the higher end of the lineup with its more luxurious proposition, but a gas version would still manage to undercut the EV in terms of costs.
Offering combustion versions alongside the existing EVs will be possible thanks to the STLA Large platform that's set to underpin both models. The same architecture has allowed the Dodge to offer both ICE and electric variants for its latest Charger, and Alfa Romeo is expected to do the same with the next Giulia and Stelvio. Fiat is also looking into fitting a combustion engine to its new 500e, but that will be more difficult because it wasn't developed with such a powertrain in mind.
Before their potential ICE counterparts get confirmed, the electric Recon and Wagoneer S are both set to arrive later this year. The Wagoneer S will go on sale first, with deliveries slated to begin in the third quarter of this year. A 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds will make it the fastest Jeep ever, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup will provide a punchy 600 hp alongside an impressive 400-mile range. The Recon won't be too far behind, arriving closer to the end of the year to serve as an indirect alternative to an electric Wrangler.
Image Credits: Jeep
Report
Apr 25, 2024
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Jeep Considering Gas-Powered Variants For Two Of Its Upcoming EVs
This would allow the Recon and Wagoneer S to be more affordable.
Jeep sales have been on a noticeable decline recently, with sales slipping by an alarming 330,227 units between 2018 and 2023. But new CEO Antonio Filosa is looking to stop the downward spiral, and bringing sales up to the one million mark is set as his main objective. Aside from recent price cuts, Jeep is also looking to attract more buyers to its showrooms with a pair of new electric models on the way––the rugged Recon and more road-going Wagoneer S. But with EVs experiencing drops in demand, the brand is now looking at producing gas-powered versions to further boost sales.
Filosa first hinted at possible combustion variants for Jeep's upcoming EVs in an interview with Automotive News. He admitted that some Recon and Wagoneer S buyers might rather have an engine under the hood, and he stressed that Jeep needs to keep those customers interested before another brand turns them away. Offering an identical gas version would not only keep buyers from walking away, but it would also allow the brand to offer both models at a lower price than their EV counterparts.
A gas-powered Recon would be particularly attractive for cost-conscious buyers, especially after Jeep recently let go of two of its most affordable models, the Renegade and Cherokee. While the EV's position as an electric Wrangler alternative makes sense, an ICE variant could also prove popular by offering that same Wrangler-like package for an even more tempting price. The larger Wagoneer S is likely to stay at the higher end of the lineup with its more luxurious proposition, but a gas version would still manage to undercut the EV in terms of costs.
Offering combustion versions alongside the existing EVs will be possible thanks to the STLA Large platform that's set to underpin both models. The same architecture has allowed the Dodge to offer both ICE and electric variants for its latest Charger, and Alfa Romeo is expected to do the same with the next Giulia and Stelvio. Fiat is also looking into fitting a combustion engine to its new 500e, but that will be more difficult because it wasn't developed with such a powertrain in mind.
Before their potential ICE counterparts get confirmed, the electric Recon and Wagoneer S are both set to arrive later this year. The Wagoneer S will go on sale first, with deliveries slated to begin in the third quarter of this year. A 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds will make it the fastest Jeep ever, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup will provide a punchy 600 hp alongside an impressive 400-mile range. The Recon won't be too far behind, arriving closer to the end of the year to serve as an indirect alternative to an electric Wrangler.
Image Credits: Jeep
