Jeep Expects to Reach 1 Million Sales in 2015

Strong demand for its new Cherokee SUV model will push global sales of Jeep vehicles above 1 million units next year, predicts brand President Mike Manley.

Chrysler Group LLC debuted the Cherokee two months ago. Manley tells Bloomberg News that a successful rollout for the vehicle overseas might enable Jeep to reach the sales target in 2014.

Last year Jeep sold 731,600 vehicles worldwide. Manley says U.S. demand for the Cherokee is running more than 15% ahead of expectations. He credits consumer acceptance of the SUV's controversially stylish front end.

This year Jeep also will begin producing a subcompact model in Melfi, Italy, for the European market. The so-called "baby" Jeep also will be exported to the U.S. market in 2015.