Jeep is preparing for the launch of its first mass-market EV in the United States, but the automaker isn’t throwing caution to the wind to deliver its electrified Wagoneer S. Company CEO Antonio Filosa recently outlined his vision for the SUV, saying that he wants “perfect quality” and acknowledging that the vehicle’s development hasn’t yet reached that point.
“I know that we are close, but close is not good enough,” Filosa told Automotive News. Jeep’s recent track record isn’t particularly inspiring, as its vehicles have frequently been on the negative side of predicted reliability ratings, nearly doubling the number of problems higher-rated automakers’ vehicles.
Jeep plans to manufacture the Wagoneer S in Mexico, opening it to federal tax credit eligibility, helping put a dent in its almost $72,000 starting price. The SUV is expected to offer a strong list of specs, including more than 300 miles of range and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-three-second range. Like other recent Jeeps, the S will get a load of interior displays, and Jeep said it would get upscale materials like suede and ceramic-coated aluminum.
Jeep’s quality issues have impacted its sales, with numbers falling by 19 percent earlier this year. The automaker has rebounded, seeing a modest improvement in August, but Jeep can’t afford to fumble the rollout of such an impactful vehicle.
[Images: Jeep]
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