What's up with the Jeep Wrangler?

[XDCX]

Chrysler, LLC explained that the 43% drop in Dodge Caravan sales was attributable to declining Fleet Sales, but what explains the 23% drop in Wrangler sales last month?

The Jeep Wrangler has been Chrysler's hottest vehicle in recent memory - with customers actually waiting to order some of the more popular versions.

What happened in February? Has demand for the Wrangler cooled or was it just an off month?

[SHACOS]

Maybe it was gas prices since the Wrangler is a brick on wheels. I'm not sure. Our Denver area dealers can't seem to hold on to Wranglers.

[XDCX]

Maybe it was gas prices since the Wrangler is a brick on wheels. I'm not sure. Our Denver area dealers can seem to hold on to Wranglers.

I'm hoping that it's just a one month "blip" and Wrangler Sales will recover in March.

I always hate that transition when a hot product starts to cool off - dealer inventories start to climb, grosses start to fall and you lose all the momentum that had been built up.

Your comment about fuel economy is a valid one - the last thing the U.S. car market needs right now is record high fuel prices. :(

[XDCX]

Well it doesn't appear that the February Sales Report was just a fluke - Chrysler LLC, reported that Wrangler sales were 37% lower this March when compared to March, 2007.

It will be interesting to watch the inventory/days supply figures and see if Chrysler LLC, responds with any sales incentives.

[Crestview_Tim]

One thing to keep in mind when comparing this March to last year's sales is this. The Wrangler is no longer a brand new vehicle. I was nervous when I had a couple of 2006 models lingering around and the 2007's started showing up. Luckily, I had a strong Wrangler sales person who easily made them disappear.

Tim

[XDCX]

One thing to keep in mind when comparing this March to last year's sales is this. The Wrangler is no longer a brand new vehicle. I was nervous when I had a couple of 2006 models lingering around and the 2007's started showing up. Luckily, I had a strong Wrangler sales person who easily made them disappear.

Tim

Tim:

Welcome to DealershipForum.com and thanks for the post.

I think you're 100% correct - the Wrangler is no longer brand new and it's lost that initial surge that comes with a new vehicle launch. I just looked up the April sales results and noted that Wrangler sales were down 19.3% over last year.

I'm sure the Dodge Dealers will enjoy some excitement with the launch of the Dodge Challenger. It will be interesting to see how long the Challenger remains hot?

[mopar4life]

My bet is that the Challenger will cool off just as fast as it heated up. The 2 door market is just a small sliver of the "pie" anyway. We have always struggled with 2 door vehicles in our market. We need MPG right now not H.P.:confused:

[XDCX]

My bet is that the Challenger will cool off just as fast as it heated up. The 2 door market is just a small sliver of the "pie" anyway. We have always struggled with 2 door vehicles in our market. We need MPG right now not H.P.:confused:

I hope that you're wrong. (But I fear that you may be right)

Dodge needs a "Hot" car in the line-up. With gas at $4.00+ and a weakening economy, it's not the best time to relaunch a classic muscle car.