√Jeep rejects fixed prices for Australia despite changes in Europe

A move to a fixed-price business model in Europe, initially in four countries but eventually across the continent, will not be adopted in Australia, the company says.

Jeep Australia has rejected a switch to non-negotiable fixed prices for new cars even though Europe is preparing to roll out the controversial business model recently adopted locally by Honda and Mercedes-Benz.

According to a report by Automotive News Europe, Jeep’s parent company Stellantis will reorganize its European dealer network in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and switch to fixed prices there, before introducing the same non-negotiable structure in other parts of Europe.

“The rest of Europe will progressively follow in the implementation of the new distribution scheme,” Jeep’s parent company Stellantis said in a media statement.

However, Jeep representatives in Australia say they have no intention of introducing non-negotiable fixed prices locally.

“We have a very strong dealer network in Australia and do not intend to roll out an agency model here,” the CEO of Stellantis in Australia, Kevin Flynn, told Drive.

At the same time, Mr Flynn dismissed any Australian chances of a re-vamp for Stellantis’ semi-prestige Lancia brand from Italy.

Lancia unveiled a new badge and a sculpture, called Pu+Ra Zero, it said will set the design direction for the brand for the next 100 years.

“Today is the beginning of our Renaissance that will amaze Lancia fans all over the world. Lancia will once again be a desirable, respected, and reliable brand in the European premium market,” the CEO of Lancia, Luca Napolitano, said in a media statement.

However, the renaissance will not include Australia – despite hints reported by Drive last year – after Lancia’s local departure in 1985.

“We don’t have plans to launch Lancia in Australia,” Kevin Flynn said, replying to a question from Drive.

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