What's going on at Jeep?!

This week, we’re updating our newsletter for your enjoyment. We’ve listened to your feedback and tweaked our content.

We’re condensing our long-read articles so that you have both options: a quick look and a longer read over coffee.

Let us know what you think!

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

• Jeep sales are dropping drastically, leading to production pauses and questions about the brand's future.

• Jeep Wranglers now take 120 days to sell, significantly longer than the national average, hurting the company’s financial outlook.

• Recent recalls, including issues with the steering column, instrument panel, and fire risks, have damaged Jeep's reputation.

•  The NHTSA is investigating Jeep Wrangler engines that have caught fire, affecting over 781,000 vehicles from 2021-2023.

• Stellantis' focus on non-American brands raises concerns about the future of Jeep and other US brands under its umbrella.
  

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Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• New cars might warn drivers of high speeds, but will drivers listen?

• Cars are now collecting data, but for what? And, should they share it?

• GM and Hyundai, a partnership you didn’t see coming, is now a reality

• Americans are now buying older used cars: why?

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LONG READ

What’s going on with Jeep?!

Jeep sales are plummeting so dramatically that production at its Toledo plant has been paused. Read more about this here.

This troubling sign has us wondering about the brand’s future.

Could Jeep potentially disappear or change hands?

Jeep’s iconic status in U.S. automotive history is at risk, and it is struggling to repair its reputation.

The Harsh Numbers Behind Jeep’s Reality

New cars, including Jeeps, are taking longer to sell. The average time a new vehicle spends on a dealer lot has increased from 53 days in 2023 to 68 days.

Jeep is faring even worse, with Wranglers taking an average of 120 days to sell—43% longer than other models.

This is too long, and it’s taking a toll on the manufacturer. 

Pricing isn’t on their side, as this conversation on Reddit reveals.

Several fans present critical points about Jeep's pricing strategy.

It’s easy to lament the high cost of Wranglers, especially when there’s a lot of frustration over value for money. Read the full discussion here.

Why Buy a Clunker? Reasons for Low Jeep Sales

Jeep is also grappling with multiple recalls affecting recent models, including issues with instrument panels, faulty software, and potential fire risks.

The latest recalls involve:

• 33,000 Wranglers for instrument panel faults.

• Software problems in 2021-2024 models affecting defrost systems.

• 32,000 hybrid Wranglers with fire risks.

For more on these recalls, visit Kelley Blue Book’s recall information.

But these aren’t the worst.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports of Jeep Wranglers catching fire, even with the ignition off.

This probe might lead to a massive recall. To make matters worse, it won’t be small.

The NHTSA is probing over 781,000 vehicles. Read more about the NHTSA’s investigation here.

Does Stellantis Care About Its American Brands?

Stellantis faces a broader issue with its American brands. While international brands perform well, American brands, including Jeep, struggle with declining sales and quality issues.

Doug DeMuro’s recent video highlights concerns about the future of Chrysler, a brand also at risk of disappearing.

Stellantis needs to take action on its strategy to revive its American brands. If it cares.

With rising competition and ongoing quality problems, Jeep’s future remains uncertain. Will the iconic brand continue to thrive, or will it be sold to a new owner?

Do you want to know more about Jeep’s struggles? Check out our full article and the podcast version in the link below!