When Jeep decided to launch a limited-run “Islander” edition of its iconic Wrangler this year, it had been more than two decades since the original beach-themed model had hit the sand. But the pent-up demand for the Wrangler Islander—and the overall passion people have for Jeep—have already shown the decision to be a wise one.
During the second phase of a national marketing effort to support the Islander, called the Jeep National Tiki Hunt, nearly 10 million people viewed or shared info about the contest on the Jeep Facebook page, the website for the Hunt snagged almost half a million page views, and Twitter followers increased by 275 percent.
Oh, and three lucky individuals took home their own Jeep Wrangler Islanders by locating three “Jeep Tikis” that had been hidden at unique locations across the country. Justin Walter Reade-Chitaphana of Los Angeles, Melissa Block of Virginia Beach, Va., and Scott Carman of Golden, Colo., used clues posted on Jeep’s social media outlets to track down the vehicles.
“This unique experience has given us the opportunity to connect and communicate directly with Jeep consumers on several levels, while igniting passion for the Jeep brand, the Jeep Wrangler and the all-new Islander,” said Mike Manley, president and CEO of Chrysler’s Jeep division.
Of course, the Islander is pretty unique itself. Based on the Wrangler Sport and available on both the Wrangler Unlimited and Wrangler proper, the Islander package offers four exterior colors, including Surf Blue Pearl Coat, black side steps, 17-inch Moab wheels wrapped in big 32-inch tires and a tidal wave of Islander appearance pieces. Buyers looking for a rugged machine may also consider the Nissan Xterra Seattle WA, which some would argue offers better on-road driving dynamics when compared to the Wrangler.
Best of all, while the three Tiki Hunt winners had to rely on their quick wits and a capable Internet connection to get their hands on a Wrangler Islander, the remaining units should be a lot easier to find: They’re now available directly from local Jeep dealers throughout the U.S. The Jeep trade in North Haven continues to be brisk.
* * *
Read more Jeep news right here on this blog. Subscribe for updates.
You must log in to post a comment.