“South Korea is a priority market for Stellantis,” emphasized Jake Aumann, CEO of Stellantis Korea.
In an interview conducted on the 20th during the Jeep Camp held at Songjeong Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, Jake Aumann addressed the pressures for price increases due to the strengthening dollar. He stated, “Price increases are not solely determined by exchange rates. Factors such as rising raw materials, logistics, and steel costs are also contributing elements.”
He added, “Stellantis Korea has a close relationship with the global Jeep team, and even with price increase pressures, we are cooperating with headquarters to compensate for rising costs.” Additionally, Jake explained that “for Stellantis, the domestic market is classified as a priority market, and we are working hard to ensure a smooth supply of products for domestic customers.”
Jeep’s electrification plans are also progressing steadily. Following the Wrangler 4Xe, the Grand Cherokee 4Xe is expected to be launched within this year. Out of 1,645 Wranglers sold this year, 140 units were PHEV models, representing 8.5% of overall Wrangler sales. When the electrified version of the Grand Cherokee, a main model for the Jeep brand, is released, the market share of electrified models is expected to increase significantly.
Jake mentioned, “The automotive market is quickly shifting from PHEVs to pure electric vehicles,” noting that at the Jeep 4Xe presentation in September, three models of pure electric SUVs—Avenger, Recon, and Wagoneer—were unveiled. He further expressed, “Among the pure electric SUV models, the Avenger is slated to be launched in the Korean market soon, and according to Jeep’s carbon neutrality plans, we aim to have 100% of our brand lineup electrified by 2025.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr