May 21, 2015
Christina Rogers

How about a plug-in Jeep Grand Cherokee? Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne is thinking about it.

For years, the auto maker has owned the market for large SUVs and trucks, but now it is facing a quandary: the popularity of these vehicles is dragging down its fuel economy standing with regulators. Now, Fiat Chrysler has to make some significant improvements on this front or risk falling out of compliance with toughening emission regulations.

The effort could entail an aluminum body for a forthcoming Jeep Wagoneer, a full-size SUV that will top the brand’s lineup, as well as liberal use of aluminum on the next-generation Jeep Wrangler due out in 2017, Mr. Marchionne said Tuesday night, speaking to reporters in Detroit. The CEO is also considering an electric motor for the Grand Cherokee and plans to make the new Town & Country minivan a plug-in electric vehicle.

Source
The Wall Street Journal