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.
Jeep Owners Across the South Provide Free Rides to Essential Workers During Winter Storms
As winter storms sweep through the South and Southeast, local Jeep communities are putting their four-wheel-drive capability to work for more than just trail riding. In Middle Tennessee, volunteers with Jeepers of Spring Hill have organized free rides for medical and emergency personnel, including EMTs, nurses, and 911 dispatchers, to ensure essential workers can safely reach their jobs despite snowy, slick conditions. The effort involves more than 20 Jeep drivers and highlights the region’s strong off-road culture and community spirit.
In East Texas, the 903 Jeep Club stepped in to provide free rides for first responders and medical staff during a winter weather advisory, leveraging capable vehicles and volunteer coordination to assist those reporting for critical shifts. These Jeepers emphasize that helping others during severe conditions is simply part of being a good neighbor.
And in Tulsa, Oklahoma, local Jeep owners are also offering complimentary transportation to essential workers amid a winter storm, echoing the sentiment that “little things count” when it comes to community support. With roads turning treacherous and public transit limited, these grassroots efforts have given nurses, hospital staff and emergency personnel one less thing to worry about as they serve the public.
SEMA lauds federal shift on emissions tampering enforcement
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding a recent federal policy change announced on Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Justice that directs prosecutors to exercise enforcement discretion under the Clean Air Act and forego criminal prosecutions for tampering with onboard diagnostic (OBD) emissions systems on vehicles. A move aimed at clarifying priorities for regulators and the automotive aftermarket.
According to SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, this shift eases overly harsh penalties that previously could include criminal charges, while still leaving civil enforcement and penalties in place, and underscores the importance of compliance and collaboration between the aftermarket industry and federal regulators like the EPA.
SEMA emphasizes that federal law remains clear that altering emissions systems or profiting from products that enable tampering is illegal, but this rescaling of enforcement is seen as a more balanced approach.
Stellantis Passes on 2026 Super Bowl Ads Despite Brand Buzz
For Super Bowl LX in February 2026, Stellantis (the parent company behind Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler) is reportedly not running any commercials during the big game, shifting marketing focus toward other major initiatives like the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The decision reflects broader industry trends where the massive $7 million-plus cost for a 30-second commercial spot and evolving media strategies are causing some brands to reevaluate the return on investment of Super Bowl advertising. While Stellantis brands have previously used the event to promote lineup highlights, including Jeep and Ram electrified vehicles and rugged truck storytelling, this year’s absence underscores a strategic reprioritization.
Jeep, Dodge, and Ram enthusiasts can still expect brand exposure throughout 2026 via other channels, celebrations tied to America’s 250th anniversary, and product reveals tied to dealer events and auto shows. The lack of a Super Bowl commercial doesn’t signal diminished confidence in these brands by Stellantis, but rather a shift in when and how the automaker chooses to engage audiences amid changing media landscapes.
