Jeep Renegade Production Ends in Italy, Marking end of an Era
Melfi, Italy – Production of the Jeep Renegade has concluded at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy, signaling the end of a groundbreaking chapter for the American brand. The Renegade, launched in 2014, was the first Jeep vehicle to be manufactured outside of North America and quickly became a sales success, blending American ruggedness with Italian design and engineering.
The Renegade’s arrival defied expectations, offering a smaller, more accessible Jeep option that resonated with a new generation of buyers. It shared its production line with the Fiat 500X, representing a pivotal moment in Stellantis’ industrial internationalization and a unique collaboration between engineering cultures.While the Renegade proved immensely popular, shifting market demands towards electrification and evolving regulations ultimately led Stellantis to discontinue the model in Europe, with no immediate successor planned.
Despite its European farewell,the Renegade’s story isn’t entirely over. Production will continue in Brazil, catering to the South American market where its off-road capabilities remain highly valued. The melfi plant is undergoing a change into an electrification hub, preparing to produce new electric vehicles including the Jeep Avenger, Lancia gamma, and DS N8.
The Renegade’s legacy extends beyond sales figures. It demonstrated Jeep’s willingness to innovate and adapt, becoming a symbol of a changing automotive landscape. As the automotive world pivots towards sustainability, the renegade will be remembered as the last of its kind – an “outsider” that successfully challenged conventions and broadened the Jeep brand’s appeal.
