Latest news with #GrandWagoneer
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
‘We Can Build Cars People Love': Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf's Turnaround Plan
Jeep's new chief executive, Bob Broderdorf, is wasting no time trying to put the brand back on solid ground. Promoted from head of Jeep North America in February 2025, Broderdorf inherited a company coming off several years of declining sales, frosty dealer relations, and customer frustration over high prices and missing models. Speaking in a recent interview, he claimed to have made 81 changes in the past few months, with the aim of delivering 'the right content at the right price' and restoring confidence among Jeep owners and retailers. Source: Jeep Price Cuts And Product Shifts One of the most visible changes so far has been a reset on pricing. Jeep has lowered MSRPs on several key models, with the 2025 Grand Wagoneer dropping by around $7,000 and the standard Wagoneer down by roughly $3,000. The Grand Cherokee has seen $1,000 trimmed from many trims, while the Gladiator now starts below $40,000. Alongside these cuts, Jeep has started reintroducing popular options dropped in recent years, such as the automatic transmission for the V6 Wrangler. The changes come as updated products arrive, including the 2026 Grand Wagoneer, which gains revised styling, new tech features, and powertrain tweaks aimed at improving refinement. Model Cadence And Capability Broderdorf's strategy is to 'pick the heart of every segment and put a Jeep there.' That includes the upcoming return of the Cherokee later this year, positioned on Stellantis' STLA Large platform and offered with hybrid power. The Recon EV, set to debut later in 2025, will target buyers wanting Wrangler-like off-road ability in a fully electric package. On the performance side, Jeep is following the lead of its Ram sibling by expanding availability of the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, as seen in recent announcements to bring the engine to more SUV models. The goal is to give buyers more variety — whether that's cutting-edge EV tech, hybrid efficiency, or traditional high-displacement muscle. Dealer And Customer Outreach Repairing relationships with dealers has been a priority. Jeep has been dialing back low-margin fleet sales to focus on retail customers, increasing advertising spend, and giving retailers more competitive pricing tools. Broderdorf has also been actively engaging with owners, including quietly reading (and occasionally posting on) Jeep-focused forums and Reddit. Early signs are positive: Jeep's U.S. retail sales rose by double digits in the most recent quarter, driven largely by the Wrangler and Gladiator. Overseas, momentum is building as well, with the Europe-only Avenger surpassing 200,000 orders — now bolstered by a new 4xe all-wheel-drive hybrid variant with real off-road capability. Challenges Ahead Despite the optimism, Broderdorf faces a tough market. Stellantis' overall North American shipments fell sharply this year, and new tariffs on vehicles built outside the U.S. add financial pressure. Jeep must also balance an accelerated product rollout with the need to maintain profitability and quality — particularly as it launches more EVs and hybrids into competitive segments. Still, Broderdorf insists that when Jeep 'focuses,' it can 'build cars people love.' The coming year, with several high-profile launches and a leaner pricing structure, will test whether that confidence holds up in showrooms. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
3 days ago
- Automotive
'We can build cars people love': How Jeep's new CEO is turning around the company
Bob Broderdorf is listening. The automotive industry veteran, who took over as Jeep CEO in February, said he regularly scrolls through Jeep Reddit threads, reading the comments (and complaints) from customers. Sometimes he'll even reply back. Jeep sales have been a bright spot for Stellantis, its parent company, though Broderdorf said the 83-year-old brand can do better. That's why he's making a concerted effort to hear from customers on how the storied marque can improve -- on pricing, options and even electrification. "I have made 81 changes in just the last couple of months, some tiny, some big. But all these little things add up," he told ABC News. "I want to make the right content at the right price. I read what they write [on Reddit]. I understand their frustrations." Another goal of Broderdorf's? Making every Jeep as desirable as the popular Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs. "There are many products where we haven't properly told the story to consumers," he said. New models like the all-electric Recon are coming, along with a refreshed Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer, which launch later this year. Broderdorf also has big plans for the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, its premium utes. Plus, the new Wagoneer S, the brand's first battery electric vehicle, is now available to buy. Broderdorf opened up about tariffs, uncertainty for the industry, returning the brand to its roots and why the " ducking" trend is "extraordinary." The interview below has been edited for clarity. Q: You're a veteran of this industry, having held various senior positions at Stellantis. What are your top goals now that you're in charge of Jeep? A: My first goal, quite frankly, is to create a level of consistency in our foundation and focus on our core audience. Given the state of the company, I very much [want to] create a level of calm. You're going to see us bring a lot of new products to round out the portfolio. Q: When you mention new product, are you talking about more electric vehicles? A: We're not holding ourselves to just one powertrain. We've got more ICE [internal combustion engine] vehicles available. We've got the Cherokee coming, that's right around the corner. We're going to refresh some of our core products very quickly. There's a lot of opportunity that I still see in the brand. Quite frankly, our customers have been very vocal. If you shopped us even six months ago, the pricing and the value story is far more ambitious than where we were previously. Q: Do Jeep customers want an EV? A: We have the technical know-how to add battery electric vehicles to our lineup. We're doing that with the Wagoneer S. We want to make sure that we do it in a way that's authentic to Jeep. So if I can leverage electric power to make a better Jeep, then our customers are certainly interested. I think 4xe is a great example of how we do that. More low-end torque adds better rock crawling capability, for example. Q: How have tariffs affected Jeep sales, if it all? Where are the majority of Jeeps produced? A: For us, we needed to slow things down a little bit and see how it unfolded. We've slowed down production, particularly in products that were outside the U.S., particularly in the Q1-Q2 timeframe. There are still a lot of unknowns. We've also taken a pause at some of our manufacturing plants, to make sure we're optimizing those. The good news for us is we have an entire breadth of product. We've got a lot of options to keep the sales flow going. With the industry changing this much, you want to stop and make sure you're absorbing everything that's happening to you to make sure you're making the right business decisions. We are very much are a global brand. We've got a significant portion of our sales outside the U.S. Not every Jeep is built in the U.S. We've got some built in Mexico, Europe, we cover the whole gambit. We've even got production in South America. We ship cars globally as well as produce globally. Q: Has there been discussions about shifting that overseas production to the U.S.? A: Of course we're looking at it. The industrialization strategy will continue to be updated. That is still being sorted out. Q: Stellantis' U.S. sales fell 10% in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period a year ago. Jeep had a slight increase in sales year over year -- 1% -- largely because of strong consumer interest in the Wrangler and Gladiator. Where are you seeing opportunity? A: If I only looked at retail -- selling to actual customers -- [sales are] significantly above 1%. The part that's actually dragging us down is selling cars to rental car companies. Those sales historically have lower margins and they're not something I am really that interested in chasing. I am very pleased with our sales lift since we've redone the team and brand ... we're seeing this great momentum lift. Yes, fleet sales and rentals are important, but what's more important is selling to people who are going to work every day. Q: So this downturn at Stellantis and the $1.7B hit from tariffs may not impact the Jeep brand specifically? A: We have plenty of opportunities where I still think we can grow. Our lineup is missing EVs. We want to be a major player in every single SUV segment. There are many products where we haven't properly told the story to consumers, or those products require enhancements that I think we can improve and attract a much bigger audience. You'll see in the next six months how many changes we're going to make. Cherokee is a massive miss -- it's the biggest segment in the U.S. We need a midsize SUV. Cherokee is going to be an amazing storytelling opportunity. Anytime the brand is listening to its audience, giving them what people really want, I think you'll improve your loyalty. There is no question. They need to know that we listen to them and care about them. And I think the changes we've made have showcased that. Q: Everyone was talking about 3-row SUVs a few years ago. What are sales like of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer? A: We got our foot in the door, people are aware that we're here. I still think there is upside ... I am very ambitious on that product. I've driven [the Wagoneer] all over the country, I love the way it drives. This is still a miss for us that we can improve. I've got big plans for this one. Q: What's the response been like to the all-electric Wagoneer S, which had a quiet debut last year? A: This thing is so fast and so fun to drive. We're off to a decent start, I would say. I make four cars at the same plant so we can be very flexible there. Q: The federal tax credit for EVs and PHEVs is set to expire at the end of September. How will this impact sales of your 4xe models? Are dealers also reporting higher sales of these vehicles before the incentive ends? A: If you've been shopping and are interested in an EV, you know the $7,500 exists. Anybody currently in market will get one before the Sept. 30 deadline. I think you'll see a run on product, then a massive [sales] spike, then a drop. Q: Who are you targeting with the Recon, which is launching later this year? A: People know this car is coming. We haven't said much about it yet. We showed it in a Super Bowl ad. We're ready for this product. We'll have more to talk about at the end of the year. Q: What is the biggest challenge for every automaker right now? A: The thing we all want is consistency. We believe at Jeep that we can build great cars. And when we can focus on that, and not all of these other distractions, we can build cars people love. As we continue to change the face of our portfolio, we'll also get back to our roots. We're really embracing our off-road community. And it's important to me that they know we care. Jeep enthusiasts are the priority. Jeeps are like an invite to the party. Once I cultivate that audience, and we truly have embraced them, there are a lot of people who want to get an invite to that party. And when you drive up in a Jeep, you're immediately one of us. Q: What's your take on this Jeep 'ducking' trend? A: Anytime you see a group of people who are this passionate about your brand, it's extraordinary. Jeep is one of a kind. The fact that this many people decorate their cars with ducks, how can you not appreciate that kind of passion for what we do every day?
Top Gear
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
This is what the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer will look like
This is what the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer will look like A new one's coming 'later this year', says Jeep… Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. Americans, we bring you tidings from Jeep: a 'refreshed' Grand Wagoneer is on its way, and it'll look something like the car you see above. OK, it'll probably look pretty much exactly like the car you see above. Normally teaser campaigns offer a shady, creepy look at upcoming cars – Jeep's refreshingly given us the entire face. Advertisement - Page continues below A handsome one, that carries the company's new modern design language akin to its baby brother, the (electric) Wagoneer S: think slimmer, streamlined headlights, that slotted grille, a new air intake design, new wheels, and the same boxy silhouette you've come to know and covet. Sadly, these are all the tidings Jeep has divulged at this stage, Jeep saying only that it has been 'refreshed with a new attitude' and that it also 'proudly wears the Jeep badging'. It does in fact wear Jeep badging. 'Refreshed with a new attitude.' Does that mean it's a mere spruce of the current GW? That carries a 'Hurricane' 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, good for a very healthy 536bhp. Or does it mean it'll carry something entirely different? We'll find out 'later this year' when Jeep brings us many more tidings. Watch this space… Advertisement - Page continues below Looking for more from the USA? READ THE LATEST USA NEWS Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Car and Driver
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Three-Row SUV Reveals Its Fresh New Face
Jeep is launching an updated version of the Grand Wagoneer full-size luxury SUV for 2026. The big news is an updated front end with slimmer headlights and a different grille. We don't know what other changes are in store, but more will be revealed in a few months. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer has received numerous updates in recent years, including a new engine, but it's finally getting the first significant visual update since its debut. Jeep revealed the first photo of the updated 2026 Grand Wagoneer, showcasing a facelift that brings a more modern-looking front end with slimmer headlights and a futuristic interpretation of Jeep's signature seven-slot grille. While the luxurious Grand Wagoneer appears to be the first version of this full-size SUV to get these updates, we expect the downmarket Wagoneer variant to get a similar freshening as well. Beyond the updated front end, we also expect the Grand Wagoneer—and its long-wheelbase stablemate, the Grand Wagoneer L—to receive interior updates, where we could see updated screens and new trim options. There likely won't be any significant changes to the powertrain, which is a 540-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six; the lesser Wagoneer gets a lower-output 420-hp version of this same engine. The Grand Wagoneer's new look is cribbed from the electric Jeep Wagoneer S, which is a smaller SUV sharing little else with the Grand Wagoneer despite the common nameplate. We also know that a facelifted version of the Grand Cherokee is coming with a similar design, and the Cherokee compact SUV is also slated to return from a hiatus later this year. Jeep says that more information about the 2026 Grand Wagoneer is coming this fall, so look out for more specs and details before this updated SUV begins arriving in showrooms before the end of the year. Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Jeep® Brand Teases New 2026 Grand Wagoneer
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer is coming later this year, refreshed with a new attitude — and proudly wears the Jeep badging. Jeep Brand For nearly 85 years, Jeep has been a global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek fun and adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged and refined vehicles designed to conquer it all. Follow Jeep and company news and video on: Company blog: Media website: Jeep brand: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: YouTube: or View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Stellantis
