Quote:
Someone needs to tell DC Corporate that the Liberty diesel is still a go for 07 cause they are making folk think it is a dead project.
If I understood Oldnavy's earlier post, that's part of DC's stealth marketing plan. Announce the discontinuation of the Liberty CRD, build up market demand due to panic that they aren't available, then when the demand has reached a fever pitch, let em loose. Somehow, I just don't think this is a viable marketing strategy. They alienate their dealerships who had to spend $10K per diesel tech for training, plus tools, and then let them sit idle for 9 months to a year. If this is DC's strategy, they've have a huge credibility problem coming.
Here is pure conjecture on my part - I do think if DC had intentions of bringing the CRD back in 08 or 09 (and I'm not saying they are), they would rather drop the CRD for at least 07, bring in the much higher priced GC V6 diesel, get the GC sales back up as they are in the crapper right now, then offer a diesel in the Commander, as they too are looking somewhat underwhelming. Get the high margin Jeeps back on track. If they don't, as gas inches higher at 50 cents/year without any new wars, GC and Commander sales are going to be a big problem for Jeep.
Milk those 2 for a model year or 2, then maybe bring the CRD back in the Liberty when it no longer can cannibilize sales of the higher margin products. 2 gigantic problems solved in one fell swoop - dropping sales numbers revived, auto analysts who having sensed blood, now on DC's back like a pack of Hyenias on a water buffalo, will be forced to dismount and flee with only the flesh in their mouths for a prize. Not to mention some money in the bank.
2007 is only 5months away - lets revisit this in January 2007 and see what actually happens.