jeep grand cherokee australia

End of the Road: The Jeep Grand Cherokee Departs Australia

For Aussie families and off-road enthusiasts, the news is out: the Jeep Grand Cherokee is being discontinued in Australia. After nearly three decades on our roads, the iconic SUV is bowing out, marking the end of an era. What led to this decision, and what does it mean for the future of Jeep in Australia? Let's delve into the details.

Why is the Grand Cherokee Leaving Australia?

The decision to axe the Grand Cherokee comes directly from Stellantis, Jeep's parent company. According to a statement, this move is part of a broader strategy to "right-size the Jeep product portfolio to match local market dynamics and customer preferences." In simpler terms, they're streamlining their offerings to better align with what Aussie drivers are actually buying.

While Stellantis hasn't explicitly stated the reasons behind this shift, several factors likely contributed. Most notably, sales figures for the Grand Cherokee have plummeted in recent years. Drive.com.au reports a staggering 96 percent sales slump over the past decade. This dramatic decline points to a significant change in buyer preferences, with other SUVs and utes gaining popularity.

A Steep Decline: From Bestseller to Discontinued

The Grand Cherokee's journey in Australia has been one of peaks and valleys. Back in 2014, it was the best-selling large SUV in the country, even outselling the seemingly invincible Toyota Prado. The Bendigo Advertiser notes that Jeep delivered 16,582 Grand Cherokees that year, surpassing the Prado by 470 units and accounting for more than half of Jeep's total sales in Australia.

This success, however, proved to be short-lived. Competition intensified, and the Grand Cherokee seemingly lost its lustre. Whether due to changing consumer tastes, reliability concerns (a common criticism leveled against Jeep), or simply the appeal of newer models from rival brands, the Grand Cherokee's sales steadily declined.

What's Next for Jeep in Australia?

The departure of the Grand Cherokee raises questions about the future of Jeep in Australia. Stellantis assures us that they are committed to the Australian market and will continue to offer a range of vehicles tailored to local needs. However, the specific models and strategies remain somewhat unclear.

CarsGuide reports that the discontinuation of the Grand Cherokee presents opportunities for significant savings on remaining stock. If you've been considering a Grand Cherokee, now might be the time to snag a deal before they disappear from showrooms.

A Look Back: The Grand Cherokee's Legacy

The Jeep Grand Cherokee first arrived in Australia in 1996, three years after its debut in the United States. The fourth-generation 'WK2' model, sold between 2011 and 2021, offered a variety of engine options, including a diesel V6, and became a popular choice for families and those seeking a capable off-road vehicle with a touch of luxury.

The Grand Cherokee was known for its blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It offered a spacious interior, a range of features, and a rugged design that appealed to many Australians. It was a vehicle that could handle the school run during the week and a weekend adventure in the bush.

The Electric Shift: Wagoneer S as a Potential Replacement?

While the Grand Cherokee's departure might be disappointing for some, it also signals a shift towards electric vehicles within the Jeep lineup. As reported earlier this year, the new electric Wagoneer S is slated to replace the Grand Cherokee in Europe, hinting at a possible future direction for the brand in Australia as well.

However, it's important to note that Jeep has also revealed a final edition of the Grand Cherokee in Japan, indicating a phasing out of the large SUV in right-hand drive markets. This suggests that the Wagoneer S may not be a direct replacement in terms of size and target market.

Contextual Background: The Changing SUV Landscape

The Australian SUV market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The rise of smaller SUVs and the continued dominance of utes have reshaped the landscape, putting pressure on larger, more traditional SUVs like the Grand Cherokee.

Fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality have become increasingly important factors for Australian car buyers. The Grand Cherokee, with its larger size and higher fuel consumption, may have struggled to compete with more modern and efficient alternatives.

Immediate Effects: Deals on Remaining Stock

As mentioned earlier, the immediate effect of the Grand Cherokee's discontinuation is the potential for significant savings on remaining stock. Dealerships are likely to offer discounts and incentives to clear out existing inventory.

For those considering a used Grand Cherokee, this news could also impact resale values. While the discontinuation might initially lead to a slight dip in prices, the Grand Cherokee's iconic status could eventually make well-maintained examples more desirable among collectors and enthusiasts.

Future Outlook: Electric Jeeps and a Streamlined Lineup

Looking ahead, the future of Jeep in Australia likely involves a greater focus on electric vehicles and a more streamlined product lineup. The introduction of models like the Wagoneer S could signal a new era for the brand, with a greater emphasis on sustainability and technology.

However, it remains to be seen how Jeep will balance its commitment to electric vehicles with the needs of Australian drivers who still value off-road capability and ruggedness. The challenge will be to develop electric SUVs that can deliver the same level of performance and versatility as their petrol-powered predecessors.

Verified News Reports: A Summary

Here's a summary of the key information from verified news reports:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee axed in Australia: The Grand Cherokee is being discontinued in Australia due to declining sales and a shift in market dynamics. (Source: Bendigo Advertiser, CarsGuide, Drive.com.au)
• Significant sales decline: The Grand Cherokee has experienced a 96 percent sales slump in the past decade. (Source: Drive.com.au)
• Strategic decision: Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, is "right-sizing" the Jeep product portfolio to match local market dynamics and customer preferences. (Source: CarsGuide)
• Opportunities for savings: Significant savings are available on remaining Grand Cherokee stock. (Source: CarsGuide)
• Historical context: The Grand Cherokee was Australia's best-selling large SUV in 2014, outselling the Toyota Prado. (Source: Bendigo Advertiser)
• Potential replacement: The electric Wagoneer S may replace the Grand Cherokee in some markets. (Source: Bendigo Advertiser)

Conclusion: Farewell to an Icon

The discontinuation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Australia marks the end of an era for a vehicle that has been a familiar sight on our roads for nearly three decades. While its departure may be disappointing for some, it also reflects the evolving nature of the Australian car market and the growing demand for electric vehicles. As Jeep looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how the brand adapts to these changes and continues to offer vehicles that appeal to Australian drivers. The Grand Cherokee may be gone, but the Jeep legacy in Australia is far from over.