Jeep->ke40 has finally confirmed that the highly-anticipated Grand Wagoneer nameplate will return to its lineup. Unfortunately, that won't happen until 2018, according to the Chrysler five-year plan that was unveiled today by Fiat->ke30 Chrysler->ke21 CEO Sergio Marchionne.
There are very few details we can cling on right now, but we do know that the Grand Wagoneer will offer seating for seven and will climb atop the Jeep lineup in both size and premium features. It is currently unknown whether or not the SUV->ke145 will share underpinnings with the Dodge Durango, which is scheduled to receive a mid-cycle refresh in 2017.
But until that happens, Jeep has numerous goals to achieve, like expanding its lineup from five models built in one country to 6 nameplates assembled in six countries. Specific details haven't been released, but the brand is expected to start building vehicles in Asia and South America as well. So far, we only know that the 2015 Renegade will be built in Italy, alongside the Fiat 500X.
Aside from that, Jeep is also looking to increase global dealerships from 4,706 to 6,023, with the largest expansion to come from South America and Asia to help double its sales by 2018.
As far as new models are concerned, a yet unnamed C-segment SUV will arrive in 2016, the year that marks the iconic brand's 75th anniversary. Details are slim to say the least, but the new SUV is likely to replace the Compass->ke422 and the Patriot->ke1383, both scheduled to retire the same year. Also in 2016, the Cherokee is scheduled to get its first facelift since being revived.
The larger Grand Cherokee->ke936 will also get a refresh, but that will happen in 2015, two years before a brand-new generation will be unveiled. 2017 will also see the introduction of an all-new Wrangler->ke425 to replace the current JK. And if previous reports are correct, the new iteration will arrive with a redesigned frame, a power-retractable top, and a fixed windshield.
As you might have noticed, there's no word in regard to a future Grand Cherokee SRT. With the SRT performance brand->ke4431 axed and its entire lineup handled over to Dodge->ke28, the Grand Cherokee might have to do with upgrades provided by Mopar.
More details after the jump.
Why It Matters
There are plenty of reasons to keep Jeep under our radar for the next five years, but the Grand Wagoneer revival is by far the most exciting addition to the lineup. This family hauler has been missed ever since it was phased out in 1991 and its return will finally enable the brand to squeeze into the large SUV market.
Jeep's five-year plan detailed
