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.
Stellantis Eyes Recovery Despite Heavy Tariff Losses
Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, says it expects sales and profits to rebound in the second half of 2025, even after taking a $1.7B hit from U.S. tariffs and reporting a 2.3 billion net loss for the first half of the year.
New CEO Antonio Filosa, who took the helm in June, says the automaker is seeing “gradual improvement” in sales despite ongoing headwinds. The company is focusing on launching 10 new models, reviving pickup trucks and muscle cars previously discontinued due to fuel efficiency rules, and improving execution in North America, where sales have slowed.
While Stellantis' operating profit margin currently sits at just 0.7%, Filosa aims to boost performance by trimming unprofitable programs, adapting to new U.S. regulations, and bringing Jeep and other key brands back into competitive segments. Shares remain down 37% for the year, but leadership insists the brand is taking the “tough decisions” needed for a turnaround.
Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Returns Aug. 21-23
Jeep enthusiasts from around the country will gather in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for the 13th annual Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, August 21–23, at the spacious LeConte Center. This enthusiast-driven event blends indoor and outdoor vendor areas featuring over 250 Jeep parts and accessory brands, plus a Show & Shine competition showcasing stock rides, classic builds, lifted vehicles and trail-ready machines.
Daily admission includes access to both vendor areas and the vehicle show for $20 per adult and $10 for kids (5 and under free), and tickets are sold only at the gate. Last year, the event drew 22,000 Jeeps and 50,000 fans, and organizers believe 2025 promises an even greater turnout.
Set against a backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the show offers more than just the event, thanks to over 800 miles of scenic trails, family attractions, dining, and lodging nearby.
Quadratec will once again be in attendance, with plenty of new products, giveaway items and exclusive show deals.
Stellantis Names Scott Krugger as New Head of North America Design
Jeep parent Stellantis has announced Scott Krugger as its first-ever Head of North America Design, a new leadership role overseeing the creative direction and strategy for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram brands. Reporting to COO Antonio Filosa, Krugger will lead design efforts tailored to North American customers while collaborating with Stellantis' global design teams.
A company veteran since 2001, Krugger most recently managed exterior design for Dodge and Dodge//SRT and previously led design for Alfa Romeo, Jeep, and user experience projects in Stellantis' EMEA region. His appointment, alongside Gilles Vidal’s recent recruitment to head European design, marks a key step in Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles’ strategy to foster global collaboration with a strong regional focus.
Ralph Gilles says the new structure is aimed at delivering “inspiring and exciting products” across all Stellantis brands, ensuring creative excellence and customer-focused innovation in future vehicle design for North America and Europe.
2024–2025 Jeep Wrangler Earns Solid IIHS Safety Scores with Room for Tech Improvements
The updated 2024 and 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL recently received strong safety ratings in the latest IIHS crash tests, particularly excelling in the updated moderate overlap front crash test at 40 mph.
The four-door Wrangler scored nine out of ten ‘Good’ ratings, with only a minor ‘Acceptable’ mark due to rear test dummy head contact with the roll bar trim. Crucially, seatbelts performed well, keeping occupants’ chests and pelvises protected during impact.
However, IIHS testing showed the Wrangler still needs improvement in crash avoidance technology, earning a ‘Poor’ score in the pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking category—systems still missing from the current model lineup.
Headlight performance was another soft category, with most configurations rated ‘Poor’ for low-beam visibility and glare, and even the top-tier LEDs only reaching a ‘Marginal’ score; underscoring the need to upgrade factory headlights to brighter aftermarket versions.
On the positive side, Jeep’s LATCH child seat anchors earned a top ‘Good Plus’ rating, placing the Wrangler among the best in its class for child safety hardware.
Overall, the refreshed JL brings improved crash protection but leaves room for future advancements in safety tech and visibility aids.
