Jeep Patriot

Even as the Fourth of July has come and gone, Jeep's Patriot is as hot as a firecracker.  How hot? In the latest survey of the hottest selling vehicles by J.D. Power's Power Information Network, the Patriot SUV was the seventh fastest-selling vehicle in the U.S. last month. On average, Jeep dealers kept the Patriot on lots fewer then 20 days, while the industry average is roughly 60.

The Patriot is one of three domestic models on the J.D. Power's "Hot off the lot list". Saturn's Sky tied the Patriot for #7 and the GMC Acadia is #5. It's the first time in months three American models made the top 10 list.

Why the growing interest in these domestic models? The Sky benefits from Saturn spending more on marketing, to get more people into its showrooms. Combine that with a gorgeous looking convertible and warm weather you get a hot selling car.

The GMC Acadia is in demand because the crossover utility vehicle market is on fire right now, and with its new design--the Acadia has become "THE" CUV flavor of the day.

Finally, there's the Patriot. It might be tempting to say the Patriot is hot because of incentives. But according to J.D. Power, only 7% of the buyers are taking advantage of the average Patriot incentive ($920), and the retail price on this Jeep is roughly the same ($20,907) as when the SUV went on sale in March.

All of this indicates the Patriot is connecting with buyers for the right reason. It's a good looking SUV with updated interior styling. The Jeep, despite it's problems in recent years, still has cache with buyers. And this summer, the Patriot is on fire.

Questions?  Comments?