Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. is expanding its fleet of plug-in hybrids as it begins production of the much-anticipated electrified Jeep Wrangler at the company’s assembly complex in Toledo, Ohio.
It’s also planning to boost the marketing effort behind the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, bringing back a familiar face from its previous ad campaigns.
FCA said in a statement that assembly the first 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids is now underway in Toledo where Jeep vehicles have been built continuously since World War II.
The Wrangler 4xe is described as the “most technologically advanced Wrangler ever.” It is capable of delivering zero-emission open-air driving on- and off-road, with up to 25 miles of electric-only range and nearly 400 miles of total range, according to FCA.
(Jeep electrifies with new Wrangler 4xe.)
The 2021 Wrangler is assembled in Toledo with a 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack and 375-horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque electrified powertrain with two electric motors, FCA said.
The plug-in version of the Wrangler is built alongside the conventional model at the Toledo North assembly plant and the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe arrives at dealer showrooms in early 2021 with the ability to handle trails and tarmac just the same as the traditional versions of the popular ute, which has been one of the most popular vehicles in the Jeep line for years.
The Wrangler 4xe is expected to have an EPA rating of 50e mpg and the unique ability to travel off road silently through wild areas, FCA said.
(FCA CEO Manley says hybrid Jeep Wrangler arriving by the end of 2020.)
FCA has been slower to move parts of its fleet to electrified powertrains. However, the merger with PSA, which brings with it a new name, Stellantis, is expected to accelerate the automaker’s push towards electrification.
Mike Manley, FCA CEO, also has put more emphasis on electrification. FCA also is planning to put some addition marketing muscle behind the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV.
The Chrysler brand has recruited actress Kathryn Hahn for a series of new television, digital and social media ads promoting the Pacifica Hybrid. Hahn has been promoting the minivans for several years now.
“The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market, and our ‘Drive a Hybrid’ campaign featuring Kathryn Hahn is a fresh and engaging way to educate people about the benefits of hybrid ownership,” said Marissa Hunter, head of Marketing, FCA – North America.
(FCA adds AWD to the Special Edition 2020 Pacifica minivan.)
“With this campaign, we take a direct and light-hearted approach to giving our audiences answers to some of the most asked questions about hybrid ownership, in a way that is unique to the Pacifica Hybrid and to Kathryn’s comedic talents,” Hunter said.
Jeep Wrangler e4X4, or Jeep Wrangler 4X4e