Jeep confirms baby SUV, pickup, Grand Wagoneer, plus EVs by 2022

Jeep will launch three all-new models, ten plug-in hybrids, four electric models and level 3 autonomy in the next five years, CEO Mike Manley has announced.

Confirmed at parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) five-year plan investors’ day, the plans account for two launches per year until 2022.

A pick-up truck arrives first in 2019. There will also be a sub-Jeep Renegade small urban SUV and long-mooted Grand Wagoneer flagship arriving by 2022 at the latest. A new three-row SUV will also be launched.

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"We will re-enter the mid-size pick-up segment next year,." said Manley. "We will extend our reach in E-SUV segment with an extra three-row variant. 

"Finally we’ll enter the large SUV segment when we bring back one of the most storied nameplates in our industry with the return of the Grand Wagoneer in 2020," he added.

Plans for electrification

Electrification is high on the agenda for Jeep, which currently doesn’t sell a single hybrid-powered model in the UK. By 2022, the brand will introduce ten plug-in hybrids and four EVs across its portfolio. A hybrid option for each model is planned by the end of 2020.

Manley said: "Compliance in two regions will drive increasing electrification going forward. What’s important is margin. For now, and the immediate future, electrification will be margin dilutive, but in the long-term it can add value beyond compliance. For our brand, electrification can enhance one brand value: the levels of greater torque control, enhances by electrification, can bring a higher level of off-road capability."

Comment: Behind the scenes at FCA's investors' day

Level three autonomy, which allows part-time autonomy but still requires a driver behind the wheel and paying attention, will arrive by 2021, to “bring independence and stress-free utility,” as well as make Jeep’s cars more urban-friendly, said Manley.

FCA is in talks with Google autonomous driving company Waymo to use its driverless systems under licence on FCA vehicles, but no confirmation has yet been made that production cars will feature the systems in the near future. 

Jeep has also confirmed that two new specialist sub-brands will join its Trailhawk off-road badge and Trackhawk high-speed badge. Desert Hawk high-speed sand performance line is heading to multiple models including the Jeep Cherokee while there will also be an as-yet-unnamed urban specialist line with full connectivity, optimum efficiency and all-weather capability. These grow the specialist sub-brand lines offered by Jeep to two on-road and two off-road. The urban-friendly line is likely to feature Jeep’s most cutting-edge driverless tech.