Jeep is experiencing a flourishing period in Italy. The market numbers say so, which highlight the excellent performance achieved by the models currently making up the range. Handed over from Christian Meunier to Antonio Filosa, the stars and stripes brand, part of the Stellantis group, boasts numerous strings to its bow and the Cherokee could soon return too.
Yes, the same Cherokee went out of production in 2023, on which, however, there would have been a rethink, following the change of management. The car’s appeal was good and, with the adoption of some measures, perhaps it will grow. The top levels of the company believe it, CEO Filosa above all, who, at the microphones of the Sole 24 Ore, he admitted to evaluate its manufacturing in an Italian factory, without going into details. The hypotheses under consideration are different, but the field can be narrowed down to two names, the main favourites: Melfi and Cassino.
The most accredited
At a glance, one might think that the most accredited one is the Basilicata plant. Yet, there are obvious obstacles, one above all: the different platform. The Lancia Delta, perhaps the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, will be created here, both on the STLA Medium base, a platform owned by Stellantis. Furthermore, the structure will welcome the next electric DS and a second vehicle from the French company and a new Jeep, perhaps the Renegade EV.
In the future there will then be the Lancia Gamma, expected for 2026, and the next hybrid generation of the Compass. In short, there are enough irons in the fire and adding a further piece would perhaps create overcrowding. And then it pops up the alternative: Cassino, already equipped with the suitable architecture, the STLA Large, dedicated to the pair of Biscione models, the Stelvio and the Giulia. The caliber of the vehicles affected will be premium, made by various brands.
The voice would help to calm the spirits in the Frosinone area, shocked by the wave of strikes. Following the protests that began on the morning of Tuesday 21 May, the following day the workforce folded its arms, due to the workloads considered excessive. At the time of writing, Cassino operates on a production line, with a single shift from 6am to 2pm. The unions Uilm, Fiom and Cub have denounced the pace being too intense. If the next Cherokee actually sees the light in the center, those responsible will perhaps implement some measures.
Comfort and practicality come first
The Jeep Cherokee has achieved important goals especially overseas. But it is not clear whether the Italian structure will be responsible for manufacturing the units to then be shipped to American customers or whether, on the contrary, it will be limited to Europe. Be that as it may, it is logical to assume that it will hold good general ergonomics, sufficient to satisfy the needs of a transversal audience. Equally worthy of note will be practicality and technologies.
The on-board equipment will be, barring any surprises, level 2, the maximum standard allowed by the European Union. Nor can an upgrade to the third level in the States be ruled out a priori, where Mercedes has started the testing phase. Finally, it remains to be seen whether there will be space for the Trailhawk off-road variant, whose daredevil spirit has received positive feedback.
