Jeep testing in Australia

A new focus on Aussie infotainment is coming for Jeep as the American car-maker finally gets serious about local tuning work.

The shift will not arrive in time for the all-new Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer (pictured), which are both expected before the end of 2021, with the next Compass the most likely winner on the connectivity front.

American experts have been testing since earlier in the year to plug reception gaps and improve the connectivity as Jeep promises a greater focus on Australia.

“Testing for the Australian market is very important for FCA. We will continue to see the value of testing for local markets,” says company spokesperson, Tracie Stoltenburg.

COVID-19 restrictions have curtailed some of the work, with the Jeep crew restricted to NSW and Victoria, but they have a clear focus.

“We want to ensure that our customers are experiencing the best systems and iron out any anomalies that may be present in Australia. In order to do that, we test for the local conditions,” says Stoltenburg.

“Because Australia has its own software set, the team find challenges that may not be found in other regions and then adjustments can be made to the software. Testing is done in a variety of conditions in both city and in rural areas.”

Work has been spread across the whole infotainment package, from the quality, operation and functionality of the AM-FM-DAB radio package through to navigation map testing, map updates and the software in the head unit.

Jeep is also assessing the CarPlay and Android Auto operation, audio streaming and Bluetooth connection.

“We want to ensure our customers are getting the best product and end result. During testing, if we find any anomalies, we input them into a global system and then the lead engineers, along with the suppliers, assess the bugs and fix accordingly.”

Stoltenburg says the infotainment work is a smaller part of a bigger Jeep plan for Australia.

“Earlier this year, global and regional Jeep executives presented an investment plan in Australia to our dealers, signifying the importance of this market to the company.

“We are very excited about the product plan for next year as well as our 80th anniversary of Jeep. A complete right-hand drive product plan is in place with Australia being key to global volume growth aspirations that we will reveal when the time is right.”