Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
Leadership Shift at Stellantis: Antonio Filosa Takes the Helm
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, recently appointed Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, succeeding Carlos Tavares. Filosa, a 25-year veteran of the company, previously served as the global CEO of Jeep and as COO for Stellantis' North American operations.
The automaker believes his understanding of the Jeep brand and the North American market positions him well to address the challenges facing the company, including declining sales and strained dealer relationships. He will assume the position June 23.
“Antonio’s deep understanding of our Company, including its people who he views as our core strength, and of our industry equip him perfectly for the role of Chief Executive Officer in this next and crucial phase of Stellantis’ development,” said Stellantis Executive Chairman John Elkann. “I have worked closely with Antonio over the past six months during which time his responsibilities have increased, and his strong and effective leadership spanning both North and South America at a moment of unprecedented challenge have confirmed the excellent qualities he brings to the role. Together with the entire Board, I look forward to working with him.”
Filosa's leadership style emphasizes rebuilding trust with stakeholders and reinvigorating the company's presence in key markets. His appointment has been met with optimism from U.S. dealers, who are hopeful that his experience and approach will help reverse recent declines and strengthen the Jeep brand's position in the market.
Filosa succeeds Carlos Tavares, who stepped down in December following a sharp decline in sales and profit over the course of his tenure.
Jeep Joins America250: Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
In a move that underscores its deep American roots, Jeep has partnered with America250, the official organization commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this yearlong celebration, Jeep, along with sister brands Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram, will serve as exclusive automotive sponsors, participating in nationwide events and providing a fleet of vehicles to support official activities.
"Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans, whether it’s the stirring ‘Imported from Detroit’ campaign, which cast a spotlight on an American city that rose from the ashes, or Ram's ‘God Made a Farmer,’ which paid homage to American farm workers and their families,” said Olivier Francois, Stellantis’ global chief marketing officer. “America — its people, its traditions, its history — inspire everything we do, how we do it and the way we dream about our next 250 years together. Our ‘America Made Us’ will be a yearlong campaign celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the people who have made, and continue to make, our brands what they are today."
Jeep's involvement in America250 reinforces its status as America's most patriotic brand and highlights its commitment to celebrating the country's history and future. The automaker will announce additional activations, creative campaigns and other ways this partnership will come to life in the coming year.
Introducing the 2025 Jeep Gladiator Dark Sky Edition
Jeep recently unveiled the 2025 Gladiator Dark Sky Edition, adding a new dimension to its lineup of special-edition pickups. This model features a striking black-on-black aesthetic, with gloss black accents, body-color fenders, and a performance hood borrowed from the Mojave trim. Built on the Gladiator Sport S trim, the Dark Sky Edition offers a blend of rugged capability and stealthy style, appealing to those who want a distinctive look without compromising on performance.
The Gladiator Dark Sky edition will feature heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, 10 inches of ground clearance, and a best-in-class 4x4 payload of 1,725 pounds, and Jeep said it is ready to tackle challenging trails and demanding tasks. The brand said order banks are now open, with pricing starting at $45,090.
Jeep Unveils ARTT Concept at Overland Expo West
At the recent 2025 Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar introduced the Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept, a premium, lightweight, low-profile, all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system designed specifically for the four-door Jeep Wrangler.
“The lightweight and compact JPP Awning and Rooftop Tent concept is the perfect accessory for adventure-seeking Jeep Wrangler owners, whether they are overlanding across long distances or decide to go on a spur-of-the-moment quick weekend getaway,” said Mike Koval, Jeep brand senior vice president and head of sales operations. “We’re excited to see consumer reaction at Overland Expo West to our newest innovative concept for our enthusiast Jeep brand customers.”
The ARTT concept, developed in collaboration with Dometic, features a carbon-fiber shell that mounts directly to the Wrangler's roof, eliminating the need for a heavy roof rack system. This design addresses common challenges associated with rooftop tents, such as poor aerodynamics and added high-mounted weight.
Inside the ARTT, there's room for a queen-size mattress, and the tent can be easily pitched using Dometic’s AIR Frame Inflation technology. An integrated awning swings out 270 degrees, providing ample shade and shelter.
A notable feature of the ARTT is its interior access through the Wrangler's removed freedom panels, facilitated by an interior carbon-fiber step that protects the center console.
The ARTT system was showcased atop the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept, which debuted at the 2025 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The Sunchaser features a striking solar flash and satin black two-tone exterior, a 2-inch lift kit, vented high-top steel fender flares, side storage boxes with integrated MOLLE panels, a Warn winch with custom front winch guard, 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires, and rock rails.
While the ARTT is currently a concept, its innovative design and integration with the Wrangler platform suggest potential for future production, offering Jeep enthusiasts a seamless and functional overlanding solution.
Jeep's 'Groundhog Day' Commercial Named Best American Ad of the 21st Century
Jeep's 2020 Super Bowl commercial, "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray, has been voted the Best American Ad of the 21st Century by Campaign US. The ad, which cleverly reimagines the classic film with Murray reprising his role as Phil Connors, features the Jeep Gladiator as the vehicle that brings excitement to Connors' repetitive days.
“If I had to live one production over and over again, I would have to choose 'Groundhog Day.' It was rooted in magic from the very beginning," Francois said. “From serendipitously meeting Bill Murray five years before learning that Groundhog Day fell on Super Bowl Sunday for the second time in 54 years, to the hunt to find him and getting him to say 'yes' and bringing with him fellow castmates Bob Doyle and Stephen Tobolowsky, it still feels like a dream.
”We’re delighted by the recognition from Campaign US and our fans who voted, and we’d like nothing better than to share in the excitement with our star Bill Murray, but we can’t seem to locate him to tell him the good news! But we’re sure he’d be thrilled.”
This recognition adds to the commercial's accolades, which include winning USA Today's AdMeter competition and earning a Primetime Emmy nomination. The ad's success highlights Jeep's ability to blend humor, nostalgia, and brand messaging in a way that resonates with audiences and reinforces its adventurous spirit.
