Having spent June in Italy it was obvious that Jeep, in particular Renegade and Compass, have establish a significant place in that market. I also consider the Renegade to be a modestly successful model here in the US for Jeep, but it lagged on the updates in a timely fashion as noted on the European 2024 presented here to keep it competitive. Too little, too late Jeep.
Jeeps decision to pull the Renegade, I submit, is the result of two factors, the premature and currently disappointing performance of the sought after and needed popularity of the Dodge Hornet and secondly the confusion surrounding the Jeep brand’s rush to electrification and the subsequent lack of resources left to support updating the Renegade. Bad, bad and bad.
Two potential opportunities present themselves to Jeep to right these bad things. Bring the hybrid and electric Avenger to America to replace the Renegade and offer the upcoming Recon and Wagoneer S with tradition non plug in hybrids and electric models to save them from another string of bad decisions. Hopefully Jeep does not add more bad to a bad planning and execution scenario. The shake up at Jeep leadership might be the first indication that the current direction needs immediate adjustment. Launching the Recon and Wagoneer S as all electric will be a mistake only myopic and intimidated decision makers would make. A BAD thing indeed. Also in the chaotic mix is the upcoming Cherokee and refreshing the Grand Cherokee, the Wagoneer twins and Wrangle to better anticipate market realities. So much bad to avoid and opportunities to seize.
