Jeep has been on quite a journey in Europe over the past few years, with the Avenger bringing a wave of new customers to the iconic American brand and the all-new Compass broadening its appeal even further.
At Jeep’s ‘Freedom in Motion’ media drive in Germany, Tim Barnes-Clay spoke to Fabio Catone, Head of Jeep, Ram & Dodge Brands for Enlarged Europe, about Jeep's heritage, the importance of family-friendly SUVs, electrification, and what lies ahead.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Jeep is one of the world's most iconic automotive brands. What does it say about a family like mine, with three children, if we choose a new Avenger or the new Compass?
Fabio Catone: First of all, Jeep celebrates 85 years of history this year. Throughout those years, our values have remained unchanged. Freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion are recognised wherever you are in the world.
Every Jeep has to follow the same product formula, whether it's our smallest SUV or our largest. Capability comes first. Of course, that means off-road ability, but it also means helping customers overcome everyday challenges.
Then there's versatility, protection and generous interior space. Those qualities are built into every Jeep.
The Avenger is what we call "concentrated freedom". Despite being our smallest model, it offers excellent capability, clever technology, multiple powertrain options and genuine practicality. It's also introduced many people to Jeep for the first time.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Jeep has strong American roots, but does that image still resonate with buyers in Europe?
Fabio Catone: Absolutely. Jeep has American heritage, but today it's truly a global brand.
No matter where you are, people associate Jeep with freedom, adventure and the outdoors. Even if someone lives in the middle of a city, owning a Jeep gives them that feeling of being able to escape whenever they want.
That emotional connection is something that's recognised around the world.
Tim Barnes-Clay: We've spent the past couple of days driving both the updated Avenger and the Compass. For someone who isn't necessarily a car enthusiast, what are the biggest takeaways?
Fabio Catone: The Avenger builds on an incredible success story. The latest version introduces refreshed styling, redesigned bumpers, new alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, improved technology and an upgraded interior. It simply makes an already successful vehicle even better.
The Compass is equally exciting because we're now offering a much broader choice.
Alongside the hybrid and standard-range electric version, we're introducing a long-range EV capable of up to 674km on a full charge, plus a plug-in hybrid with nearly 1,000km of combined range.
Then there's the new Compass 4xe. That's the flagship and showcases everything Jeep stands for. It has improved approach and departure angles, extra protection underneath, tougher interior materials and a dedicated electrified four-wheel-drive system developed specifically for Jeep.
It's exceptionally capable off-road while remaining refined for everyday driving.
Tim Barnes-Clay: So Jeep really is a brand that combines practicality with genuine fun?
Fabio Catone: Definitely. Fun is a huge part of Jeep's identity.
You only have to look at the colours we offer. They're vibrant because we want people to smile every time they drive one of our vehicles.
Practicality, versatility, adventure, nature and enjoyment are all part of the Jeep experience.
Tim Barnes-Clay: As you’ve said, Jeep turns 85 this year. Looking ahead, what does the future hold?
Fabio Catone: We have ambitious plans.
Between now and 2030, we'll significantly expand our SUV range across Europe and the UK, increasing from two models to five.
Every model will offer best-in-class four-wheel-drive capability where appropriate, and we'll continue to take advantage of Stellantis' latest vehicle platforms.
We're also developing an exciting new D-segment SUV. I recently reviewed the latest design proposals, and it's everything a Jeep should be. Authentic, capable and unmistakably Jeep.
You'll be hearing much more about it very soon.