A new automotive rivalry will cruise our roads in 2018. The American automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plans to compete with luxury rivals in the SUV department, introducing a brand new Grand Wagoneer in the year 2018.
The announcement came from Jeep’s CEO himself, Michael Manley, at the Paris Motor Show 2016. The world-class vehicle exhibition has featured new models by several manufacturers, including the competing luxury SUVs by Land Rover and cars by BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and more.
In recent times, the Fiat Chrysler brand has been the star of infamous security episodes, most notably the hacking of its Jeep Grand Cherokee’s systems. Experts have managed to breach into the vehicle not once, but twice using different methods, raising concerns about the reliability of the automaker’s cars.
The legendary Grand Wagoneer could return as soon as 2018
Although the Jeep brand is most recognized for its all-purpose SUV line of Cherokees and Grand Cherokees, as well as for its tough-built Wrangler off-roads, the automaker has an American luxury classic in its Grand Wagoneer.
The Jeep Wagoneer is one the longest-produced U.S. vehicles in history, with only two others in record beating it in longevity. Production of the first Wagoneer models began as far back as 1962, soon becoming particularly popular in the Middle East and seeing a broad adoption in Iran where it was also manufactured.
The iconic luxury SUV introduced several now-standard features to its vehicle tier, including automatic transmission and front-wheel suspension. The Wagoneer was produced in limited droves for 28 years until Jeep manufactured the last 1600 units back in 1991.
Jeep struck a golden formula with the Grand Wagoneer, applying very little changes to the vehicle through its near three-decade run. The SUV was one of the banner carriers of the wooden side-panel standard for luxury cars, a feature it made part of its signature style.
The return of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer has been long forthcoming, with Fiat Chrysler first teasing a serious revival back in 2011. The automaker has taken its time to develop the new model of the beloved luxury vehicle properly, and after several delays in recent years, it seems like the company is finally ready to make it a reality.
During an interview at the Paris Motor Show 2016, Jeep CEO Michael Manley told Auto Express that the Grand Wagoneer would make a comeback in 2018.
“THE GRAND WAGONEER CONCEPT IS MOVING FORWARD. IT’S AN EXCITING NAMEPLATE TO BRING BACK, I THINK,” Manley said. “I DON’T THINK THERE’S A MAXIMUM PRICE CEILING PER SE FOR JEEP. IF YOU LOOK AT THE UPPER END OF THE SEGMENT IN THE US, FOR ME, THE GRAND WAGONEER DONE WELL CAN COMPETE ALL THE WAY THROUGH THIS SEGMENT,” he added.
The Jeep executive teased that judging by current industry standards; a 2018 Jeep Grand Wagoneer would round the $130 or $140k mark upon launch.
Source: Auto Express