It offers New Zealand customers a unique combination of unparalleled off-road capability, the open-air freedom of the optional My Sky roof system, the segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, a potent 2.4 litre engine, world-class refinement and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.
“The Jeep Renegade could well be the ideal vehicle for New Zealand in the 21st Century,” says David Smitherman, chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand.
“Its compact external dimensions make it ideal for getting our crowded urban environments, its room interior has the space for most needs and its superb four drive system means it can meet the demands of our outdoor, go anywhere lifestyle. Add that it’s a Jeep, with everything that that infers from legendary status to unique style and the Renegade is set to change how Kiwis look at their automotive needs.”
The arrival of the Jeep Renegade in New Zealand marks the start of another period of growth for the Jeep brand in New Zealand. The legendary off-road marque has been a key part of the growth of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand following its foundation by New Zealand businessman, Neville Crichton.
During the past two years Fiat Chrysler New Zealand has grown sales by 70 percent across the range of Fiat Chrysler brands, delivering more than 9000 vehicles to new Kiwi owners. This has included lift sales of the Jeep Cherokee by 144 per cent 2015, helping Fiat Chrysler to grow its share of the New Zealand market by 43 per cent.
“With Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, Jeep has been growing significantly in its traditional area of the market,” says Mr Smitherman.
“The Renegade brings all the benefits and virtues of Jeep ownership not just to a new market sector in terms of size and price, but also in meeting 21st century customer expectations of a Jeep and how a Jeep can fit into their life. So it’s potential and its significance is even more marked than that for existing models in the range.”
In 2015 Jeep global vehicle sales increased 22 percent to record 1,237,583 units marking the sixth consecutive year of increased Jeep sales, both globally and in the U.S. Sales of Jeep vehicles increased 56 percent in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and 135 percent in Latin America. The Renegade already has more than 160,000 sales in its account around the world, while in Europe, with sales running at nearly 6,000 units a month, it is the primary reason for Jeep’s 32.6% year on year sales increase in January.
