Jeep had been in the business of making rugged, reliable off-road vehicles for decades, building a reputation as a leader in the industry. But when they introduced the Wrangler 4xe, a hybrid version of their iconic Jeep Wrangler, they were taking a big risk. The Wrangler was one of their most popular models, and they knew that changing it to include hybrid technology could potentially alienate their core customer base. However, they were also aware that the market was shifting towards more eco-friendly vehicles, and they saw an opportunity to tap into this trend and generate a short-term boost in sales and public relations.
At first, it seemed like their gamble was paying off. The Wrangler 4xe was a hit, with many customers drawn to its impressive fuel efficiency and off-road capabilities. The press was also excited about the new hybrid model (SHOCKER!), and Jeep received a lot of positive coverage in the media. It seemed like they had made a smart move, and that their reputation as a leader in the off-road vehicle market was going to be reinforced.
But as time passed, the Wrangler 4xe started to have some problems. Customers started complaining about issues with the battery, and there were reports of the hybrid system not working as well as it should. In some cases, the battery would die while the vehicle was in use, leaving drivers stranded in the middle of nowhere. The press started to take notice of these problems, and they began to write negative articles about the Wrangler 4xe. The public perception of the vehicle started to change, and Jeep was suddenly facing a public relations nightmare.
As the problems with the Wrangler 4xe continued, Jeep began to realize that they may have jeopardized their entire business for the sake of a short-term sales pop. They had taken a big risk by introducing the hybrid model, and it was starting to look like it was a mistake. Their core customer base was becoming disillusioned with the brand, and the negative press was starting to take a toll on their reputation. They were starting to lose the trust of their customers, and it was becoming clear that their short-term gains were not worth the long-term damage they were causing.
Take a look on auto classified sites and you’ll see them FLOODED with listing of people heading for the exits on their 4xe ownership. We would HATE to one right now and need to sell.
And WHY are they selling? MOST, will tell you a few reasons.
1. The EV range is BEYOND lame
2. They DON’T trust the long-term viability of the 4xe model.
It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
Will ANY of those customers EVER give Jeep Wrangler a second chance? The jury is out on that.
So we will open up the discussion.
Tell us, did Jeep JEOPARDIZE the ENTIRE BUSINESS for a short term PR/Sales pop and do irrepairable damage? And why isn't the major media calling this out? We know. AGENDA and $$$.