The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 2nd only gas-powered, all-American, vehicle to qualify for the Eco-Car consumer tax incentive in Japan. The tax incentive is worth between ¥58,000 and ¥66,000. This goes to all 2017 Grand Cherokee buyers. The other model that qualified for this tax incentive is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. In addition to this qualification, in Japan, this model has also earned the 4-stars emissions rating; a requirement for qualifying for Eco-Car tax program. Needless to say, in Japan, Jeep is the top-selling American vehicle brand.
Qualifying for the tax program and having a 4-star emission rating does not mean the Grand Cherokee is an under performer. The vehicle is powered by the upgraded version of the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6; the award winning engine. The previous engine was named in the list of Wards 10 Best Engines (this is a globally recognized prize for the powertrain engineering). In the upgraded 295-horsepower (213-kW) include two-step variable valve lift that boosts the vehicle’s fuel economy and the Pentastar’s class-leading refinement.
Redesigned Engine
According to Bob Lee, the Head of Powertrain Coordination, FCA Global, the upgraded features establishes the redesigned engine among the world’s elite high volume V-6 engines. The new system is engineered to remain in low-lift mode that is unless a customer wants more power. When more power is needed, the engine responds by switching to the high-lift mode that enables it to deliver more air to the cylinder. The result of this is a less overall pumping work.
What is more is that the Grand Cherokee comes with the cooled system, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The cooled EGR keeps emissions low, helps knock-free operation even at higher loads and cuts pumping losses.
Fuel Efficiency
Another great appeal to the new Grand Cherokee is the Fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS). The ESS helps reduce fuel consumption by shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. When you lift your foot from the brake pedal, the engine will restart automatically. During this time, the radio, gauges, air-conditioning system and all other equipment will be operational.
The fuel efficiency of the Grand Cherokee is also improved by the smooth-shifting TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. In Japan, the Jeep achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 9.6 kilometers per liter. This high-tech gearbox is available in more than a dozen of vehicles in the FCA. Vehicles equipped with this gearbox in the U.S. alone are expected to offer over $2.5 billion in fuel savings while at the same time conserving in excess of 700 million gallons of gasoline.
Tax Incentive
The tax incentive achievement confirms the flagship status that his model has in the SUV global market. This is according to Mike Manley who is the Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for the International Operations. As you can see, the awards are deserving of this impressive vehicle. Thanks to tax incentives and the unique features of this vehicle, the Grand Cherokee is the top selling U.S. vehicle in Japan hitting a record high of 9,388 in 2016.