Jeep has taken dramatic action to turn around its troubled image.
The American SUV brand has announced its 'There and Back Guarantee' which introduces a five-year warranty, five-year capped price servicing plan and five-year roadside assistance program.
Jeep is reacting to a difficult period that has seen numerous recalls for its vehicles, particularly the Grand Cherokee, and a steady decline in sales.
Jeep Australia CEO Steve Zanlunghi has overseen the introduction of this new program and made it a top priority for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia when he took the top job mid-way through 2016.
"This is not a limited-time offer or a short term promotion," Zanlunghi said. "It forms a fundamental component of our business going forward and it's a commitment to our owners now and in the future."
The five-year warranty is transferrable to the next owner, should the original buyer sell. Roadside assistance will be free for owners as long as they continue to service at official Jeep dealers.
The new deal applies to all 2017 model year Jeeps but in order to keep existing customers happy Jeep will offer the extended warranty, roadside assistance and capped price servicing to owners of 2015 and 2016 model Jeeps for $1950.
Jeep will also offer three-year and five-year pre-paid scheduled maintenance plans that can be bought at the time of buying the vehicle.
The company has also overhauled its backroom operations including a new three-tiered customer call centre, improved feedback to dealers, increased parts supply and reduced costs for fast moving parts.
3 Comments
Selector 2 | 2017-02-23 21:56:51
Wouldn't it just be cheaper to fix production issues with Jeep ranked 2nd LAST in J D Powers 2017 Vehicle Dependability survey. I mean Jeep is always ranked last or second last, not really a surprise.
Roger Ng | 2017-02-23 22:23:17
We need to start asking why manufacturers (in particular the Germans) offer longer warranties in other countries but baulk at offering the same here. My brother recently purchased a Mercedes branded car in Switzerland. He received a seven year warranty and 10 years of free/discounted servicing. I brought the same series car here in Sydney and received 3 years warranty and 3 years free servicing - the servicing doesn't include many wear and tear items. Sounds like a lack of faith in their product. No skin off my nose as I'll hand the car back at the end of the 3 year lease but as we're charged a premium for these brands why not back the damn things up?
drrumak | 2017-02-23 22:27:34
If people want to own a Jeep this seems like a great short term response. If people want reliablity over everything else, they can sell their soul and buy a Toyota. Then go through every comments section pointing out that other brands arent the most reliable to cheer themselves up.