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Jeep Planning Grand Wagoneer Revival

Having just unveiled the 2015 Renegade, Jeep is already looking toward new opportunities in the SUV market. According to company boss Mike Manley, the Jeep lineup could grow with a vehicle smaller than the Renegade and a large SUV that would fit above the Grand Cherokee.
1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 1 photo
Photo: Jeep
The latter is likely to be the next new Jeep and Manley says it will represent the revival of the iconic Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

"Above the Grand Cherokee there is an opportunity, especially in the US, China and the Middle East. That’s where we’ll go next and the natural name is Grand Wagoneer," he told Autocar at the Geneva Motor Show, but declined to go into specifics.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer was discontinued in 1991, after a 29-year production run. The company is no longer offering a large SUV since 2010, when the Commander was axed due to slow sales.

As far as a model smaller than the Renegade is concerned, Manley said it's a vehicle Jeep is looking into, but it won't be built unless it can deliver proper off-road capability.

“There might be the emergence of a small A-segment SUV. But it’s not for Jeep at the moment. There’ll be those who will be pushing down there, but before we do it, we’d need to know we can be capable off-road. I’m sure we could do it, but I don’t think that’s the case at the moment," he noted.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week, the 2015 Renegade is Jeep's smallest vehicle yet. The crossover sits on a Fiat 4x4 platform and will be sold with 16 powertrain combinations that include four MultiAir gasoline engines and two MultiJet II diesels, as well as Chrysler's nine-speed automatic transmission.

It will go on sale by the end of the month in four trim levels, including a trail rated Trailhawk 4x4 version. Unlike other Jeeps, the Renegade will be built in Italy.

Story via Autocar
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About the author: Ciprian Florea
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Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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