According to its own information, Jeep achieved a sales record for new registrations in Germany in 2018. Apart from the all-terrain vehicle Jeep Wrangler, the newly released SUV vehicles in particular have gained a larger group of enthusiasts in recent years. At the same time, the new, more compact generation of motors meets the spirit of the times for more economical and WLTP-compliant drive components.
In the future, Jeep will break new ground with the presentation of the new plug-in hybrid vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. The hybrid drives will initially power the Jeep Renegade and the Compass. Purely electric ranges of up to 50 kilometers at a maximum speed of 130 km / h with electric drive are planned. The electric motor is combined with the 1,3 l turbo petrol engine. The combined system output is in the range from 140 kW (190 PS) to 177 kW (240 PS). By 2021, all newly registered cars in the EU will be allowed to emit a maximum of 95g CO2 / km on average; according to the manufacturer, the CO2 emission values in the plug-in hybrid version should be less than 50 grams per kilometer.
The off-road mobility is to be improved with the use of the electric motors through the high torque of the electric motor. The rear axle is no longer driven by the four-wheel drive cardan shaft, but by the electric motor. In a short interview with Markus Hauf, press spokesman for the Jeep brand at Fiat Group Automobiles Germany AG, we take a look at the future of Jeep on the German market.
gcm: With the facelift of the Jeep Rengade, the new three- and four-cylinder engines were introduced. What opportunities and potential does Jeep see for the much more compact engines?
Markus Hauf: In the course of the diesel discussion, we want to offer our customers alternatives where they are looking for them. One of these alternatives is our new generation of gasoline turbo engines. Demand is growing significantly, especially in the smaller vehicle segments. In larger segments, especially when higher annual mileage is required, the modern diesel engine is still the favorite.
gcm: According to its own information, Jeep is investing 200 million in the current year in the Italian plant in Melfi for the conversion to the plug-in hybrid. In which models will the new plug-in hybrid drives be used in the future?
Markus Hauf: We will start selling the Jeep Renegade PHEV in the first quarter of 2020, and then with the Jeep Compass PHEV with the same technology in the second quarter. Compass production is currently moving from Mexico to the Melfi plant. The Compass will then, like the Renegade at present, be built entirely in Melfi for the European market - not just converted to PHEV.
gcm: Can you give us a glimpse into the future of Jeep? What developments and innovations in drive systems can Jeep customers expect in the coming years?
Markus Hauf: In principle, we will increase the number of model series from currently five to ten in the next few years - both in the segment below the Renegade and in segments above the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. At the same time, all model series will have both plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and battery-electric drives (BEV).
gcm: Thank you very much, Mr. Hauf.
Addendum
Interview from the green car magazine.
Markus Hauf is press spokesman for the Jeep brand at Fiat Group Automobiles Germany AG
Cover picture: Jeen Renegade Plug-In-Hybrid - Copyright Jeep
There is detailed information and current trends in the new edition. Subscription under
Questions and suggestions under 01575/287 3616 or by email to leser@greencarmagazine.de.
Comments are welcome to be entered. They are activated after a content check.
- LFP batteries conquer the world market - April 26, 2024
- Renault Espace E-Tech Full Hybrid seven-seater – the team SUV - April 25, 2024
- Ora Funky Cat 400 Pro+ - The Purring Cat - April 25, 2024