While Chrysler has shown a willingness to experiment with expanding its U.S.-market diesel offerings, an oil-burning Jeep Cherokee for the states is looking unlikely, at least for the time being.
Jeep chief Mike Manley, speaking at a media event at Chrysler Group’s Chelsea Proving Grounds, stated that sales of the Grand Cherokee diesel would need to essentially double before the brand would start mulling a Cherokee diesel for the U.S.
At present, about 8 percent of total Grand Cherokee volume is comprised of diesel models, which command a $4,500 premium and are rated at 21/30 city/highway mpg in rear-wheel-drive form.
“Cherokee is slightly different [than the Grand Cherokee] because of its weight and size. When I think about bringing Cherokee diesel here, I would like to see Grand Cherokee diesel get much higher than 8 percent,” Manley said. “It would have to be in mid-double digits.”
The European-market Cherokee offers a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower or 170 horsepower when equipped with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic, respectively. Both configurations generate 258 lb-ft of torque.
In the future, Manley said he expects Grand Cherokee diesel volume to grow, which could open the door for other diesel-powered Jeep models.
“I think what we’re going to see is a continued increase in market acceptance. The initial dealer take was higher, and now we’re seeing the market settle down to about 8 percent,” Manley said. “That will, over time, continue to grow.”
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