For instance, he indicated that Chrysler is likely to pull back from its recent strategy of attempting to give the Jeep brand a softer, more urban image.
Several Jeep models that have taken this approach have sold poorly.
Well I have but one word to say to that: DUH! [sm=bangbang.gif]
I believe some decisions concerning Jeep have been awfully embarrasing - first and foremost, take the Compass (please). That thing is a friggin disgrace to the Jeep name - not to mention it is frightfully ugly (I could use more colorful metaphors, but I think I've chosen my words very carefully). Come on... a
front wheel drive Jeep? It's not even "Trail-Rated". It's supposed to be a
Jeep, not a Chevy for God's sake. I know it's a warmed over Dodge Caliber, but it still comes across as one of the most irrelevant vehicles to come down the pike since the Pontiac Aztek.
The Patriot I suppose is
passable, even though that's FWD too. At least that has some Jeep-heritage design that one can trace to the 1984-2001 Cherokee, but that God-awful Compass... I feel like taking an RPG to everyone I see on the road (which thankfully isn't that often).
Jeep is SUPPOSED to have a rough-and-tumble image, it's an image that the company has successfully crafted over several decades. I can appreciate any company wishing to expand their customer base, but when such endeavors manage to threaten or dilute their image in search of the almighty dollar, that's when I raise a red flag. The saying "winning the battle but losing the war" comes to mind in such a case.