By Matt Wolfe

Guiding the Jeep brand to record sales

As head of the global Jeep brand, Michael Manley has helped the brand’s sales flourish to new heights. After joining Daimler Chrysler in 2000 as the Director of Network Development for the United Kingdom, Manley quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming Executive Vice President of International Sales and Global Product Planning in 2008. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the entire Jeep brand in 2009.

Since Manley took the helm, Jeep has enjoyed sustained sales growth in the U.S. and international markets. The company had a record-setting sales year in 2015 with 865,000 units sold in the U.S. alone, making it the 6th largest carmaker in the North American market. The brand sold 1.2 million units worldwide last year, the highest in the company’s 75-year history, and saw a 25% growth in overall sales for 2015, more than any other volume seller in the U.S. market. Under Manley’s guidance, Jeep has launched new products, such as the compact Renegade, which have continued to gain market share. Manley also oversaw the revival of the Cherokee, one of Jeep’s most iconic models, which was re-introduced in 2014 after a 13-year hiatus and has become one of Jeep’s best-selling vehicles.

Manley’s continued development of the brand is likely to push Jeep’s global sales past its record-setting performance in 2015. Jeep is also due to unveil the latest edition of the Wrangler within the year, which is rumored to be adopting an aluminum body. In 2015, Manley also was appointed head of the newly formed RAM truck division when the brand was separated from Dodge. The appointment of Manley as head of Fiat Chrysler’s most lucrative brands speaks volumes about FCA’s trust in his abilities and his record of success.