Jeep Sales Should Remain Steady, Says Top Official

New Compass should help curb pullback on fleet sales.

There’s an old saying we’ve often heard applied to sports, but seems relevant here: “Nothing beats keeping a steady course when shooting for the big win.”

Sure, every victory helps when you’re out to win a championship. But one win, loss, or tie along the journey doesn’t define the team.

That seems to be the approach that Jeep is taking this year when it comes to projected sales, despite a deliberate reduction in fleet sales, as highlighted in a recent report by Fortune.

According to Mike Manley, Jeep’s top gun, the carmaker should still be on par with 2016 sales numbers, even with its new approach to fleet vehicles.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About Manley’s Comments

What’s important to remember here is that fleet vehicles can significantly boost a carmaker’s sales numbers. That’s because they usually consist of discounts offered to companies like rental companies, businesses, and government agencies — which discount the profits made from your typical consumer purchases.

So, how will Jeep maintain the successful sales record it maintained last year?

Well, one way could be the all-new Jeep Compass, which has been garnering rave reviews since the SUV launched earlier this year. Although, Manley isn’t calling the new Compass a win, just yet.

“It’s way too early to declare any vehicle a success, but at the moment everything seems to be on track,” said Manley, as quoted in the Fortune report. He did, however, point to growth of Jeep sales in China as a sign that Jeep’s global strategy is on course for a huge win over the long-run.

Photo [Digital Trends]