New Jeep CEO Named (Antonio Filosa)

[biodiesel]

Killing the diesel didn't make sense for many different reasons. The diesel brought new customers to the brand and the engine option really set itself apart from other brands. The diesel had the power/torque that many were looking for. The diesel also received a lot of free media attention and press. There are so many articles and writeups about the Gladiator EcoDiesel. It's a unique offering and got people excited about the brand. If Jeep was bold enough to offer diesel, then it gave newcomers hope to keep watching and following the brand for more bold ideas. Removing the diesel from the lineup is like Jeep taking two steps backwards.

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[sharpsicle]

Killing the diesel didn't make sense for many different reasons. The diesel brought new customers to the brand and the engine option really set itself apart from other brands. The diesel had the power/torque that many were looking for. The diesel also received a lot of free media attention and press. There are so many articles and writeups about the Gladiator EcoDiesel. It's a unique offering and got people excited about the brand. If Jeep was bold enough to offer diesel, then it gave newcomers hope to keep watching and following the brand for more bold ideas. Removing the diesel from the lineup is like Jeep taking two steps backwards.

It does make sense to stop offering it for many different reasons. I think it's a combination of retooling and risk mitigation that caused them to can the diesel. It makes room for retooling and inventorying a plant for electric variants. It also gets them away from the nightmare that has been diesel problems. I think we've seen that the ecoD engine in the Gladiator has caused more problems than it's solved at this point. Free media and excitement quickly goes out the door when the engine starts derating and fuel pumps start grenading. Not that I'm saying it wasn't a fun engine to have in the Gladiator, but it hasn't held up, and continuing to push it is just bluffing on a bad hand.

I think they're smart to cut their losses. They can always reintroduce it later if advances are made that make the platform more stable.

 

[Deadeye]

^^^
I hope your last paragraph is true but I’m not holding out hope.

I read in a business paper (WSJ) that the reason the CEO got canned was due to Jeep going bankrupt in China. Unfortunately it apparently didn’t have anything to do with the US (and Aussie) situation.

The Chinese auto industry is poised to take over the auto market with much lower cost vehicles. Now to be clear I am not in favor of that but the writing is on the wall and if manufacturers can’t get their pricing in line they won’t be in business in 10 years. As an example the Chinese share of the European market has TRIPPLED in just the last year.

Mr Tavaris is suppose to be a sharp negotiator but I feel that even he won’t be able to stop the tide.

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it again Jeep’s pricing strategy is out of whack. Charging $20,000 more for their 4Xe platform is ridiculous while Toyota only charged $1800 for a similar set up. We will be replacing my wife’s Grand Cherokee next year with either an electric or hybrid vehicle and when comparing costs I can get a nicely optioned Model Y for $55K vs. $75K for a GC 4Xe. While I know they are not the same vehicle there is no way the Jeep is worth $20K more and many people must share my opinion as these vehicles aren’t moving…

I kinda think Chinese cars won’t compete in the US anytime soon. First and foremost, Chinese consumer ethics around quality are already forcing a lot of insourcing back to the us across all sectors. 2nd, Chinese designs are largely ripoffs of other patented technologies in western countries that won’t pass muster once they get out of Asia. 3rd, China is collapsing right now.

finally, the biggest: even the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is calling for the US to start cutting off diplomatic relations with China. I doubt we will hit full scare war, but I think something beyond the Russian col war is brewing. Cutting off Chinese imports will be a very early step. Just my opinion, but I’m betting hard on it…

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

It does make sense to stop offering it for many different reasons. I think it's a combination of retooling and risk mitigation that caused them to can the diesel. It makes room for retooling and inventorying a plant for electric variants. It also gets them away from the nightmare that has been diesel problems. I think we've seen that the ecoD engine in the Gladiator has caused more problems than it's solved at this point. Free media and excitement quickly goes out the door when the engine starts derating and fuel pumps start grenading. Not that I'm saying it wasn't a fun engine to have in the Gladiator, but it hasn't held up, and continuing to push it is just bluffing on a bad hand.

I think they're smart to cut their losses. They can always reintroduce it later if advances are made that make the platform more stable.

You’re correct, yet only for your market. You guys (generally) have a slightly different set of equipment on the wish list. Ie 5.7 hemi or..392

Here in this AU market, if you don’t have diesel - you don’t have a business case. It’s an extremely diesel centric market. Jeep has learned this the hard way this year, thanks to the big shot Christian (horse) Manure.

(Btw the 3.0L v6 crd has been used here plus ten years in the gc and was generally well regarded and popular, until it was axed for the 4xe that took two years to arrive).

Consumers here in AU will accept a few mechanical issues that go with Jeep / Italian diesels. Bc they love Jeeps. But they will not tolerate an entire line of petrol (you guys call it gas) 4x4’s with dated underperforming tech relative to competitor double cab platforms.

Mr Antonio Filosa I issue a gentlemanly challenge:

1. put your hat in your hand and admit you f@“k3d up completely.

2. Give the beleaguered AU spec gladiator:

A. 2.2L crd (it’s in the cupboard, the fuel pump doesn’t grenade and it’s got competitive specs).
B. 3500kg (8k lbs) towing / 1ton payload (use the full float back end, u don’t have to look far for it)
C. Put the price point between 70-80k AUD.

If you’re man enough to do this Mr Antonio, your reward will be apprx 20-30k gladiator sales annually in the AU market.

..instead of the ~500 units sold so far in 023.

And I’ve been kind enough to you Mr Antonio to leave a HD 6spd manual box off the wish list, bc I know you simply couldn’t sort it out.

 

[Mister Lamb]

I'll buy a Ford before I buy anything made by the Chinese

 

[smlobx]

I kinda think Chinese cars won’t compete in the US anytime soon. First and foremost, Chinese consumer ethics around quality are already forcing a lot of insourcing back to the us across all sectors. 2nd, Chinese designs are largely ripoffs of other patented technologies in western countries that won’t pass muster once they get out of Asia. 3rd, China is collapsing right now.

finally, the biggest: even the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is calling for the US to start cutting off diplomatic relations with China. I doubt we will hit full scare war, but I think something beyond the Russian col war is brewing. Cutting off Chinese imports will be a very early step. Just my opinion, but I’m betting hard on it…

I agree with your assessments and hope you’re right. The fact of the matter is that China is the largest car market in the world…by a long shot and Jeep couldn’t compete.

I have been on a buy American campaign whenever possible because I’m tired of the Chinese ripping off every technology they can get their hands on and I don’t think they should be rewarded for that.

 

[BAT]

Do you have leather? I drove a rental with cloth and I swear they were horrendous compared to the leather. May totally be in my head, but i felt a difference and I suffer with back pain regularly.

Nah the cloth seats are pretty rough on you after 3-4 hours. I have had to get me some nice gel seat pads to put in when I know I am going longer distance

 

[Phishs]

How'd those green seats look in person? Are they 2 colors or all green?

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I agree with your assessments and hope you’re right. The fact of the matter is that China is the largest car market in the world…by a long shot and Jeep couldn’t compete.

I have been on a buy American campaign whenever possible because I’m tired of the Chinese ripping off every technology they can get their hands on and I don’t think they should be rewarded for that.

Completely agree w both posts. Basically support the free world. And take action to stop a bullying predatory regime that openly steals tech from all/any nation. Including it’s kidneys if it was aloud to.
Zero against Chinese people I’ve worked there a number of times in early 2000’s and they’re good hard working people.

But it’s a predatory military dictatorship up there w the v best ever.

cannot believe the amount of complete f$&kw1ts here that buy Chinese cars and support that regime.

The problem is how deeply their “workshop to the world”/modern day slave labour economy is integrated with all western eco’s.

it’s not integrated a little bit. That’s for certain.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I'll buy a Ford before I buy anything made by the Chinese

Extremely humorous. From one Jeep guy to another - I would to. Definitely ..

 

[Gvsukids]

cannot believe the amount of complete f$&kw1ts here that buy Chinese cars and support that regime.

Look how many people buy cheap Chinese stuff on Amazon or eBay.

 

[OldSarge]

Do you have leather? I drove a rental with cloth and I swear they were horrendous compared to the leather. May totally be in my head, but i felt a difference and I suffer with back pain regularly.

I too like my leather seats. Just back from an 18 hour drive over two days returning from Moab and they did as well as any seats after such a long trip. 7-8 hours is no issue.

 

[OldSarge]

The economy has slowed down. The cost of living has increased. Interest rates are the highest they've been in two decades. People are maxing out their lines of credit. I think it's fairly natural for sales to decrease when the economy is uncertain, stimulus as dried up, and people are feeling it in the pocketbook. With a possible recession heading our way in 2024, some are just holding back spending.

Bingo.

 

[jenkij]

Killing the diesel didn't make sense for many different reasons. The diesel brought new customers to the brand and the engine option really set itself apart from other brands. The diesel had the power/torque that many were looking for. The diesel also received a lot of free media attention and press. There are so many articles and writeups about the Gladiator EcoDiesel. It's a unique offering and got people excited about the brand. If Jeep was bold enough to offer diesel, then it gave newcomers hope to keep watching and following the brand for more bold ideas. Removing the diesel from the lineup is like Jeep taking two steps backwards.

`Yes but don't they offer a factory winch now? So what's the point of a Diesel, you can get up the same rocks without it now (sarcasm)

 

[DirkG]

I think many of you have very valid points that make sense to us / Jeep owners. I was an Economics grad and got pummeled with supply and demand and honestly, that's what's at the core of problem here.

Stellantis' strategy was clearly to go upmarket with pricing and they felt validated to charge $70K+ for Wranglers, Gladiators, and Grand Cherokees. The demand is not there at that price point. For many of us, heated and power-operated seats don't make sense in a topless off-road vehicle, but for Jane and John Doe dropping over 70-large for a "cool" Jeep expect power everything and some headlights that allow you to see further than 15 feet in front of you.

Supply is high and demand (at these ridiculous prices) is low. Add sky-high interest rates and gas prices, a wobbly economy, and "oh by the way" looming government electric mandates and you have Jeep stuck in a murky financial bog.

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