Jeep announced at the Detroit Motor Show that the firm will be softening its off-roaders for the UK and European markets, offering lower prices, fuel consumption and emissions.
The Head of Jeep Europe, and also Head of Product Planning for Jeep, Joe Veltri has admitted that the company has suffered from low sales in the UK and Europe due to the high fuel consumption and high CO2 emission levels of its vehicles.
Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show he announced that new versions of key models like the Grand Cherokee and Liberty will be offered in Europe, with less off-road capability but improved efficiency and greater suitability for everyday driving. Full off-road models will still be available too.
"So what we will have are base versions of our SUVs which will be more relevant to every day driving. They will be in two-wheel or all-wheel-drive, but will have less ground clearance, no low range for serious off-road work and revised suspensions more suited to roads," Said Veltri.
"But make no mistake, all our vehicles will remain best-in-class for their off-road ability and all the equipment and technology which allows them to do this will be available as an option in the future."
The only Jeep model which will not be included in this new initiative will be the Wrangler.
In addition to the reduction in off-road capabilities the new models will also feature technology brought in from Fiat to further improve fuel economy. This will include start-stop systems, 6-speed dual drive clutch transmissions, and Fiat's diesel and MultiJet engines.
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