Jeep Launches Its First Destination Store In India

Iconic American off-road manufacturer, Jeep, has inaugurated its first destination store in Ahmedabad in a bid to expand the brand’s presence in India. The store is the first of the 10  Jeep Destination Stores that are scheduled to be opened in nine major cities of the country by the end of 2016. 

The store will be home to recently launched Jeep vehicles, including the Wrangler Unlimited, the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee SRT. Well, all these vehicles are priced quite outrageously and let’s just hope that these will pave the road for the future, 'affordable' Jeep cars that the company mentioned during the launch. 

Customers from Gujarat will now be able to book, test drive and experience the cars at the showroom, which is run by Concept Motorcar Pvt. Ltd. The facility is spread across 7,500 square feet, while the separate workshop is spread over 12,000 square feet.

Kevin Flynn, president and managing director of Jeep at the inauguration of the store, said, “We have been noting the growing interest around the Jeep Brand among customers in Ahmedabad. Many have been contacting us, inquiring about bookings and deliveries of the iconic Jeep Wrangler and the luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I am pleased to be able to deliver to their enthusiasm today, with the launch of our first Jeep Destination Store in this fast-growing metropolis.”

Moreover, Jeep will organise several off-roading events for customers in Gujarat to showcase the capability of its 4x4 machines, which are arguably one of the best off-roaders in the world. Flynn further said, “Jeep pioneered the SUV segment and the concept of off-roading. Now we are ready to give our Indian customers the opportunity to own our iconic SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler, the most capable production 4x4 vehicle in the world and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV of all time.”

Company officials also pointed out how the after-sales service department will work tirelessly to provide quality and hassle-free service. It will also include a 24/7 roadside assistance service and unlimited kilometers warranty which is part of the comprehensive package, valid for two years after the sale. The roadside assistance service also offers a flight ticket for the owner in the business class once the vehicle has been recovered by the service staff. The warranty is transferable to the second owner of the vehicle as well. 

The services offered sound good but, frankly, how many times does a Jeep break down? Moreover, I believe that a lower initial price could have attracted more customers, rather than the after-sales gimmickry. Nonetheless, we hope that the vehicles work for the manufacturer, the probability of which seems quite slim, thanks to the eye-watering price tags.