» Get the best price on a new Jeep Jeep's Compass softroader and seven-seat Commander will stay in the brand's local line-up for the foreseeable future. That's the verdict of Jeep and Chrysler brands' boss Down Under, Gerry Jenkins.
The two SUVs sit at opposite ends of the US offroad brand's seven-model range and their respective futures have been the subject of speculation -- both local and international. US sources have hinted strongly that under Chrysler Group's new private ownership, the vehicle lines could be axed as they have failed to meet sales expectations.
But local boss Jenkins says the speculation is "inaccurate".
"There are no plans to discontinue Compass or Commander," Jenkins told the Carsales Network.
"Compass over the last 60 days has held its own and seems to be gaining some momentum. We'll continue to evaluate its performance and make a long-term decision but over the short term our plan is to continue to sell it and to market it," he said.
The Compass is one of two mechanically-identical Jeep softroaders. Since introduction in 2007, Patriot -- the Compass model's traditionally-styled 'twin' -- has consistently outsold its counterpart, leading to US calls to axe the model.
According to Jenkins, Jeep doesn't believe the arrival of the new third-generation Cherokee (see separate story here) will impact negatively on Compass sales -- the two groups of buyers are quite different, he asserts.
Commander, Jeep's sole seven-seat offering is built on the same chassis as the Grand Cherokee. It has also been a slow seller for the brand, but Jenkins says the company is committed to a 'three-row' model.
"The plan is definitely [to continue with Commander]," Jenkins stated.
"We need a seven-seat Jeep... We're not selling nearly as many [Commanders] as the 'standard' Grand Cherokee but we're still selling to plan and we're quite happy with its performance. So we will continue with it.
"We know there's a definite market for a seven-seat Jeep. When Commander reaches the end of its lifecycle I'm sure there'll be a decision to either continue with it or develop another [seven-seat] product," Jenkins opined.
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