The News Wheel
No Comments

Jeep Cherokee Diesel Depends on Sales of Grand Cherokee Diesel

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
Could a Jeep Cherokee Diesel be in the cards?

Could a Jeep Cherokee Diesel be in the cards?

Diehard Jeep fans who have been clamoring for a Jeep Cherokee Diesel ever since the gas-powered model hit the market may have some more waiting to do. Reportedly, Mike Manley, head of Jeep brand, said that he wants to see sales of the Grand Cherokee Diesel double before he could offer a Jeep Cherokee Diesel here in the States.


Related: Chrysler Launches “Born Makers” Campaign to Promote the All-New 200


According to Automotive News, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel sales only account for about 8 percent of total Grand Cherokee sales in the U.S., so we’ll need to up that number to at least 16 percent before a diesel-powered Cherokee hits the drawing board.

As diesels begin to gain more acceptance in American culture, this is a real possibility. Jeep is definitely not opposed to diesel by any means, as it sells several diesel-powered units in Europe, where the variants are more widely accepted.

“I think what we’re going to see is a continued increase in market acceptance,” Manley said. “The initial dealer take was higher, and now we’re seeing the market settle down to about 8 percent. That will, over time, continue to grow.”

Manley said they went with a Grand Cherokee Diesel in the U.S. because of its size. The Cherokee is much smaller and is harder to reconcile.

The Grand Cherokee Diesel, which sports a VM Motori 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel under the hood, hit the market last year at $4,500 above the traditional Grand Cherokee, but offering 30 mpg on the highway.


Related: Jeep Brand Achieves Third Consecutive Record-Setting Sales Month in May