A greater focus on quality at Jeep could see the company delay the launch of its upcoming flagship electric vehicle (EV) if it’s not “perfect”.
Jeep unveiled the Wagoneer S in May and is set to start North American deliveries before the end of 2024, but the brand’s newfound pursuit of perfection could see this pushed back.
Speaking to Automotive News, Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa said “quality is increasing” at the Toluca factory in Mexico where the Wagoneer S will be built, however better won’t be good enough.
“No launch if the quality isn’t perfect,” Mr Filosa said.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
“It carries the responsibility of being a Jeep [first] but also it carries the unique responsibility to be the first battery-electric vehicle for Jeep in the history of the North America market, which is the most important market.
“I want perfect quality, and I know that we are close, but close is not good enough. Timing is important, but more important than that is to be perfect for the consumers that will give us the privilege to buy this car.”
Jeep hasn’t shied away from speaking about its ambitions to increase the quality of its vehicles in recent times, with senior vice president Bill Peffer telling The Drive in June that its production methods are becoming less complex in a bid to minimise errors.
“Complexity reduction is something that happens constantly, and we probably could stand to do a little bit more of it,” Mr Peffer said.
“Not only do you have efficiencies that you generate but fewer opportunities to make mistakes.”
Mr Peffer also directly referenced the Wagoneer S as an example of these changes, as the electric SUV is launching with just one variant and drivetrain option.
It isn’t just quality that Jeep is focusing on, with executives having previously spoken of working to improve the customer experience and the service the brand offers through its dealerships in Australia.
Last year, Stellantis Australia – the local parent of Jeep – was put in the spotlight by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) following “many complaints from consumers about Jeep vehicles and their difficulties in obtaining remedies under the consumer guarantees which are in the Australian Consumer Law”.
Stellantis Australia agreed to review its internal procedures and training surrounding customer complaints as part of a court-enforceable undertaking.
MORE: Jeep lays out plan to cut ‘mistakes’ from its cars
MORE: Jeep Wagoneer S detailed as aspiring Tesla Model Y Performance killer
