Surprised at the headline? Neither are we. But still, here's the official word from Amp Electric Vehicles: all-electric conversions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are coming. Amp will start taking orders for both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions of the battery-powered Grand Cherokee at the Detroit Auto Show in early January.
The roots for the reason that Amp has decicded to convert the Grand Cherokee go back to the DaimlerChrysler days, when the two big auto companies decided to build SUVs – including the M-Class and the Grand Cherokee – on the same platform. Since Amp has already done the work to convert the ML SUV, it "didn't have to change a bolt" to fit the electric powertrain into the Jeep. The only thing that's different, Amp president Steve Burns told AutoblogGreen, is how the powertrain software communicates with the vehicle. Performance, therefore, is also similar, so expect around 100 miles of range on a full charge of the 37.6-kWh li-ion phosphate battery. Burns said the ML is a little slipperier and better on the highway, while the Grand Cherokee is wider and performs better in the city. For more on the technical details of the ML, read this.
When the Amp Jeep Grand Cherokee comes to market early next year, Burns said, it will compete (in a sense) with the Tesla Model S and Model X. Sure, it's hard to compare a Model S to a Jeep, but when you're the only two companies selling all-electric luxury SUVs, you "compete" with whoever's around. The electric Jeep will also compete with the Model S on price. While Burns won't announce specific numbers just yet (firm pricing information, delivery dates and names of the first dealerships will be coming in January), he did say that the electric Grand Cherokee will compete with the lowest-priced Model S. So, figure a price of under $60,000 before a potential $7,500 federal tax credit. Burns said this should be a good sticker price. "The luxury market has proven to be receptive to the higher prices that EVs command," he said. "Jeep is considered a luxury SUV but not as high as a Mercedes. Now, we've got two different price points [to sell]."
Burns and his team are still proud to be converting vehicles, rather than trying to make something brand new. "As we see some of our peers fall by the way side, which is discouraging, most of them tried to build cars from scratch," he said. With the Jeep, "we were able to get to a quality vehicle and a well-liked vehicle and a top-selling vehicle" and offer an electric version wihtout taking billions in government money. Burns said this is something the team is "really happy about."
If you'd like to get your hands on one of these electrics, pay Amp a visit during the Detroit show by heading downstairs to the ride and drive. If you can't make it to the Motor City, Amp's website will be revamped by the time the show starts and it will take online and telephone orders. In early 2012, at least five cities in the U.S. will have Amp vehicles for sale at already-existing dealerships. For a company that has made a business out of using infrastructure and products that are already out there, this simply makes sense.
The roots for the reason that Amp has decicded to convert the Grand Cherokee go back to the DaimlerChrysler days, when the two big auto companies decided to build SUVs – including the M-Class and the Grand Cherokee – on the same platform. Since Amp has already done the work to convert the ML SUV, it "didn't have to change a bolt" to fit the electric powertrain into the Jeep. The only thing that's different, Amp president Steve Burns told AutoblogGreen, is how the powertrain software communicates with the vehicle. Performance, therefore, is also similar, so expect around 100 miles of range on a full charge of the 37.6-kWh li-ion phosphate battery. Burns said the ML is a little slipperier and better on the highway, while the Grand Cherokee is wider and performs better in the city. For more on the technical details of the ML, read this.
When the Amp Jeep Grand Cherokee comes to market early next year, Burns said, it will compete (in a sense) with the Tesla Model S and Model X. Sure, it's hard to compare a Model S to a Jeep, but when you're the only two companies selling all-electric luxury SUVs, you "compete" with whoever's around. The electric Jeep will also compete with the Model S on price. While Burns won't announce specific numbers just yet (firm pricing information, delivery dates and names of the first dealerships will be coming in January), he did say that the electric Grand Cherokee will compete with the lowest-priced Model S. So, figure a price of under $60,000 before a potential $7,500 federal tax credit. Burns said this should be a good sticker price. "The luxury market has proven to be receptive to the higher prices that EVs command," he said. "Jeep is considered a luxury SUV but not as high as a Mercedes. Now, we've got two different price points [to sell]."
Burns and his team are still proud to be converting vehicles, rather than trying to make something brand new. "As we see some of our peers fall by the way side, which is discouraging, most of them tried to build cars from scratch," he said. With the Jeep, "we were able to get to a quality vehicle and a well-liked vehicle and a top-selling vehicle" and offer an electric version wihtout taking billions in government money. Burns said this is something the team is "really happy about."
If you'd like to get your hands on one of these electrics, pay Amp a visit during the Detroit show by heading downstairs to the ride and drive. If you can't make it to the Motor City, Amp's website will be revamped by the time the show starts and it will take online and telephone orders. In early 2012, at least five cities in the U.S. will have Amp vehicles for sale at already-existing dealerships. For a company that has made a business out of using infrastructure and products that are already out there, this simply makes sense.
AMP to Debut Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee at Detroit Auto Show
An all electric Jeep Grand Cherokee will be introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and available to test drive
CINCINNATI, Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AMP Electric Vehicles (OTCBB and OTCQB: AMPD), specializing in SUV electric vehicles, announced the expansion of their product line-up with their new AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee EV, which will be introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is the latest demonstration of AMP's proprietary technology for SUVs and full-sized vehicles.
The addition of the Jeep Grand Cherokee complements AMP's Mercedes M-Class EV offering. EV buyers will now have two great SUV choices in the retail market, and the Jeep EV also provides an attractive entry for companies that are adding "green" vehicles to their fleets.
"Beginning with a world class vehicle, and adding AMP's electrification results in an EV that offers everything SUV Customers expect: smooth powerful performance, zero emissions and up to a 100-mile range," said Jim Taylor, AMP CEO.
AMP will announce pricing, initial delivery dates and market distribution at the Detroit Auto Show.
About AMP Holding Inc.
AMP was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs who have created several hi-tech companies. Currently, the AMP team is comprised of top automotive industry veterans and business executives. AMP's first all electric demonstration models were the Saturn Sky and the Chevrolet Equinox. Since its inception, AMP's unique electrification technology has proven to be an idea that has generated an extreme amount of interest, with inquiries coming from around the world. AMP's intent is to electrify a range of OEM SUVs, and expects to announce new model additions in 2012. The Company expects its vehicle electrification technology will provide new solutions to America's energy demands.
To learn more, visit the AMP website at www.ampelectricvehicles.com.
About the North American International Auto Show
Entering its 24th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.
An all electric Jeep Grand Cherokee will be introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and available to test drive
CINCINNATI, Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AMP Electric Vehicles (OTCBB and OTCQB: AMPD), specializing in SUV electric vehicles, announced the expansion of their product line-up with their new AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee EV, which will be introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is the latest demonstration of AMP's proprietary technology for SUVs and full-sized vehicles.
The addition of the Jeep Grand Cherokee complements AMP's Mercedes M-Class EV offering. EV buyers will now have two great SUV choices in the retail market, and the Jeep EV also provides an attractive entry for companies that are adding "green" vehicles to their fleets.
"Beginning with a world class vehicle, and adding AMP's electrification results in an EV that offers everything SUV Customers expect: smooth powerful performance, zero emissions and up to a 100-mile range," said Jim Taylor, AMP CEO.
AMP will announce pricing, initial delivery dates and market distribution at the Detroit Auto Show.
About AMP Holding Inc.
AMP was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs who have created several hi-tech companies. Currently, the AMP team is comprised of top automotive industry veterans and business executives. AMP's first all electric demonstration models were the Saturn Sky and the Chevrolet Equinox. Since its inception, AMP's unique electrification technology has proven to be an idea that has generated an extreme amount of interest, with inquiries coming from around the world. AMP's intent is to electrify a range of OEM SUVs, and expects to announce new model additions in 2012. The Company expects its vehicle electrification technology will provide new solutions to America's energy demands.
To learn more, visit the AMP website at www.ampelectricvehicles.com.
About the North American International Auto Show
Entering its 24th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.
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