The 2014 Jeep Cherokee may have received mixed reviews regarding its styling (particularly the front end), but in terms of how the car drives and feels, reviews have been largely positive. In the end, all that matters is how customers receive a car and in this respect, the controversial styling of the Cherokee’s front end seems to have helped sales rather than hurt them.
The new Jeep Cherokee is reportedly enjoying a strong start, with the SUV nearing the sales figures of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee after its second full month on the market.
December deliveries of the compact SUV are on track to top November’s 10,169 units, with one dealer describing Cherokee sales with the term “strong as death.” This is indeed very good news for Chrysler after the carmaker had to delay the production launch of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee during the summer.
Global demand for the Cherokee is so strong that Jeep plans to build 300,000 units in 2014 at the Toledo Assembly complex, where it also produces the Wrangler. That will very likely result in the addition of a third shift at the plant and the hiring of about 1,100 new workers early in 2014, according to an Automotive News’ report.
If that happens, it will be the first time since late 2007 that Chrysler’s largest assembly complex will be running at full capacity.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
