Jeep CEO Mike Manley said that the brand expects its recently revamped lineup to boost sales by 20% in overseas markets in 2011. Chrysler's Jeep brand has released new versions of the Grand Cherokee and Compass models. At a press event earlier this week, Manley said that he anticipates its international business “to grow significantly, in excess of 20%.” He said that the initial orders from the U.S. and its international markets hint that the demand will be considerably higher than the older Compass. In 2009, Jeep sold 60,888 vehicles outside North America.
For the first 11 months of the year, Jeep sold 67,029 vehicles outside of North America, up by 22% over the same period in 2009. The Compass made up 11,716 of sales outside of North America through November of this year, standing for a 47% increase over the same period the past year. Manley attributes the improvement to its focus on Jeep in those markets and its continued growth in Asia-Pacific.
Diesels are expected to account for 20 to 30% share of the sales outside of North America, with most of them in Europe. All Jeep models will have a diesel option. In March, the Grand Cherokee will receive a diesel engine. But since diesel models aren't very popular in the US, Jeep has no plan to offer a diesel engine in any Jeep model sold in North America. [via autonews - sub. required]
