WL Jeep GCLSR Order is Now Scheduled for Assembly

I think close to the factory would be tough, finding land to do it isn't really that practical. And while the proving grounds might be possible, they're not really that convenient for people that might be flying in from somewhere. Don't get me wrong, I think the idea in general is a good one, I just think it might be logistically a little tough. SE Michigan isn't exactly on anyone's long list of great places to do any off-roading .

A number of years back Jeep had an event that I think they did in several locations that I think would be something that would be a good idea to bring back. I can't remember exactly what they called it, but they basically had a weekend where they had things set up so you could participate in several things - they had a small off-road track that you could drive one of several different jeep vehicles through with a rep guiding you. They were doing test drives of vehicles on the regular roads, and then they also had a small off-road area that was set up so that if you owned a jeep they allowed you to drive the off-road section. It wasn't anything extreme, but it was something that would at least let people get an idea of off-road driving without getting themselves into too much trouble.

I grew up in Michigan, went to UM with Maximum Bob's daughter, and had family and friends in upper Ford and GM ranks, etc, so I'm at least a little familiar with the territory and industry. I know real estate has made a solid recovery around Detroit, but there's still plenty of space for them to build a small but polished delivery center with an off road course sufficient to demonstrate their various vehicle's capabilities, where they could walk new owners through the basics of off roading and handling various types of challenges while showing owners what settings to engage in various situations and so forth. Porsche does it, BMW does it, etc. If they want to be the American Range Rover brand, with six figure Wagoneers and $85k Grand Cherokees and Wranglers... commit.

They might not be able to do it at any of the factories, but ideally if they could set up a demo/delivery facility near a Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee, or Wrangler plant, and offer a tour in addition to delivery and off road demonstration, I think it would be a brand-building win. It could be a sub $1k option or something, pending the interest level, but people would post their experiences on social media, and if they did a good job of it, it would help build brand loyalty with the participants as well.

Not my monkey, not my circus... but I have bought a number of monkeys from that circus. I'd have flown out there with my 12 y/o son and taken delivery, even if they charged me $1k to do it. It's a memorable learning and bonding experience, and from Jeep's side, he's a future lifelong customer. Even if only a small percentage take the option, I think it's worthwhile for the brand. If it wasn't, other brands wouldn't be doing it.