New Cherokee to lead Jeep push

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Korea hopes to sell 10,000 vehicles this year by improving its Jeep lineup with a new diesel Cherokee model.

During an unveiling of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee diesel SUV held live on YouTube Tuesday, FCA Korea said it expects to achieve a double-digit increase in annual sales this year by continuing its focus on the Jeep brand in line with the SUV-first global strategy.

“Our focus SUV strategy brought great results,” said Pablo Rosso, CEO of FCA Korea. “We have delivered almost 7,600 new Jeeps, and thanks to our customers’ love and support, Jeep was able to finish in third place in sales among all import SUV brands.”

Last year, the company sold 7,590 units in the country.

The automaker had the best year in its history in Korea in 2018 as it claimed 13.8 percent market share among all import SUV brands. Cherokee sales accounted for 30 percent of all Jeep vehicles sold in the country.

Rosso said FCA Korea is going to continue its focus on the Jeep brand by continuing to make showrooms Jeep-exclusive. The automaker is also upgrading its service quality by providing five-year warranty programs for vehicles and enhancing the dealer network in Korea.

The company hopes its new Cherokee diesel will satisfy Koreans looking for efficiency in SUVs. The vehicle has a combined fuel efficiency of 11.1 kilometers per liter (26.1 miles per gallon), which is 20 percent better than the gasoline model, which was launched in Korea last year.

Its 2.2-liter turbo engine is rated 195 horsepower with a maximum torque of 45.9 kilogram-meters (332 foot-pounds). The new diesel model is also equipped with enhanced off-road capabilities and has more than 80 safety and convenience features.

The Cherokee diesel model comes with four-wheel drive and a 1,549-liter (55-cubic-foot) trunk. The base model starts at 56.9 million won ($50,100). FCA Korea plans to launch a Renegade face-lift model and new versions of Jeep Wrangler later this year.

BY KO JUN-TAE [ko.juntae@joongang.co.kr]