Tag Archives: 2009

Jeep’s Growth Slows Down As It Waits For EVs

The integration of Fiat and Chrysler groups in 2009 led to the establishment of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2014. Jeep has always been considered the cash cow of this manufacturer and has played a significant role in the rapid growth of the Italian-American automaker. With its positioning in the fastest-growing SUV segment worldwide, Jeep has been a major source of revenue. In 2012, Jeep accounted for 17 percent of the group’s global sales, selling 702,000 units. The brand experienced continuous growth, peaking at 1.57 million units in 2015 and representing a third of FCA’s global volume three years later.

Missed Goals

Despite ambitious goals set by Sergio Marchionne, the former CEO, Jeep failed to double its sales by 2022. The target was to sell between 2.7 and 2.8 million units; however, only 1.11 million vehicles were sold last year. The failure to reach these goals can be attributed to various factors, including delays in product launches, the impact of the pandemic, supply chain issues, the merger with PSA, and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, most of the new products scheduled for launch between 2018 and 2022 arrived after January 2021, and only one of the three promised EVs is currently available in the market.

Lowest Sales Since 2014

Last year, Jeep’s sales reached their lowest level since 2014, with 1.11 million units sold. This represented a 13 percent decrease from the previous year and even lower sales than during the 2020 pandemic, which stood at 1.23 million vehicles. The decline can be attributed to an aging product lineup, including models like Cherokee, Renegade, Compass, and Wrangler. Additionally, Jeep faced tough competition from the Tesla Model Y, which impacted its sales in the United States and Canada. These two markets accounted for 67 percent of Jeep’s global volume.

Jeep Needs Electric Vehicles

To revive Jeep’s success, it is crucial for Stellantis to introduce electrified products. As the demand for SUVs reaches its peak, automakers must adopt electric solutions to maintain relevance in this sector. With the Tesla Model Y becoming the best-selling passenger vehicle globally, Jeep, as a brand known for high-wheeled vehicles, should lead the way in the electric SUV segment. This requires introducing competitive electric products that stay true to the brand’s DNA and are timely launched in global markets. The recent success of the Jeep Avenger demonstrates the potential for success in this area.

New Toyota 4Runner Rendering Imagines Boxy SUV With Tacoma Face

The current Toyota 4Runner has been in production since 2009, making it one of the oldest vehicle generations available today. However, that is about to change as the sixth-generation 4Runner is set to debut. 4Runner6G.com, a popular website dedicated to the 4Runner, has shared unofficial renderings of how the new SUV might look.

According to the website, the renderings are based on information and design direction from a credible insider source. The overall shape of the new 4Runner remains true to the boxy design of the current model, but with some noticeable changes. The front clip closely resembles the recently debuted Tacoma, featuring a larger grille and prominent pillars on the fascia. The most significant alteration is seen in the C-pillar and the rearmost side windows, which now have a more upright and boxy appearance.

Sixth-Generation Toyota 4Runner Rendering

There have also been rumors that the new 4Runner will only be available with a four-cylinder engine, similar to the Tacoma. The current Tacoma offers a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with various power outputs. It is unclear if the 4Runner will follow the same path. The current 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower, so a move to a four-cylinder engine would be a significant change.

However, these details are unconfirmed at this time. Toyota has declined to comment on any questions about the 4Runner, including the possibility of a V6 cancellation. The next-generation 4Runner is expected to arrive as a 2025 model next year, according to 4Runner6G.com. Although prototypes have been spotted in the US since 2021, no official images have been released.

Despite the lack of official confirmation, the projected timeframe for the new 4Runner seems plausible. Toyota has recently introduced the Grand Highlander SUV and a new generation of the Sequoia. The Tundra pickup also received a new generation in 2022, while the RAV4 underwent a facelift in 2021. Additionally, the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to return to North America as a smaller SUV that shares similarities with the Lexus GX.

Why Saab’s 9-7x SUV Failed For General Motors

The Saab 9-7x was provided on the market from 2005 to 2009, a comparatively quick time period, contemplating it was Saab’s first SUV. It could also be straightforward to level the finger at Trailblazer underpinnings and pretty uninspired styling for the 9-7x’s demise, however the story is deeper than that. To perceive the dying of the PathSaab Blazer9-7x, you’ll want to see what monetary form General Motors was in in the course of the SUV’s ultimate years. To put it in technical phrases, General Motors’ normal financial outlook in 2008 and 2009 was “not good” and “historically bad.” According to SEC filings in 2009, General Motors had managed to report a lack of a full six billion {dollars} over the primary quarter of the yr. It was like General Motors had out of the blue forgotten learn how to become profitable. The reality is, regardless of how good the Saab 9-7x may be, it probably wasn’t going to be round very lengthy anyway.

As one would anticipate, Saab was closely concerned within the monetary foibles. If your filings to the federal authorities have a separate line merchandise titled “Saab Related,” you realize issues may be dangerous. Looking on the gross sales numbers offers slightly extra credence to the very fact the 9-7 wasn’t right here to remain. In 2008, the final yr that full gross sales numbers can be found, Saab bought a complete of three,150 9-7xs. Comparatively, GMC bought 21,864 Envoys and Chevy bought 68,235 Trailblazers. Sales had been downright shameful. The remainder of Saab solely bought 16,187 automobiles.