The lengthy, unusual saga of Jeep in China — has come to its … nicely, not its finish, precisely … however one thing near it.
Michael Dunne, the esteemed skilled on the Chinese language auto trade, likened it to a Greek tragedy — or comedy.
It strikes me extra as a heartbreak story: a pairing that after appeared destined and but was by no means meant to be.
The model that was a pioneer into China — but missed out available on the market’s exponential development.
For a decade as an American exile model — imported in small numbers — Jeep was coveted and Grand Cherokees commanded exorbitant costs.
Mike Manley, working Fiat Chrysler’s most precious model, slogged by many lengthy journeys to Guangzhou to achieve a take care of GAC. However in 12 months two after FCA’s merger with PSA Group, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is shifting on.
Jeep, the brightest star in Stellantis’ constellation of manufacturers, is returning to import-only standing on the planet’s greatest auto market.
It is a humbling setback for the model and the corporate. How did issues go flawed?
In a way, all of it goes again to the start — and simply stored going flawed from there.
“You had excessive drama, you had distrust, unhealthy luck, misdealings — the works,” Dunne stated of the epic story of Jeep’s Chinese language frustration.