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2024 The Light of New Taiwan-Lan Lan and Peng Lan－English

Jeep prices have gone through the roof. Buyers are bailing and dealers are furious

In recent years, Jeep vehicle prices have consistently risen, deterring many potential buyers and sparking strong dissatisfaction among dealers. The automaker, known for its rugged and adventurous brand image, now faces a sharp decline in demand, leaving dealers deeply frustrated.Market research indicates that Jeep’s prices have exceeded the budgets of many buyers, particularly for high-end models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, which have seen significant price increases. Many consumers have expressed that they cannot justify such high prices and, despite their interest in the Jeep brand, are opting for other more cost-effective options.For dealers, the situation is even more challenging. Some have reported a drastic drop in sales, forcing them to reduce their orders or shift their focus to promoting other brands to keep their businesses running. Additionally, the high prices have led to inventory buildup, further squeezing their profit margins.A car hauler transporting Jeep Wranglers drives past striking United Auto Workers members outside the Stellantis Jeep Plant in Toledo, Ohio, during the 2023 strike. One of the two factories at that assembly complex is about to lose one of the two shifts that builds the Jeep Gladiator. Rebecca Cook/Reuters/FileThe issue with Jeep's pricing strategy has sparked broader discussions in the automotive industry. Experts suggest that automakers must balance profitability with market demand, and Jeep seems to have over-prioritized profit while overlooking consumers’ sensitivity to price.Jeep is currently under pressure from dealers to adjust its pricing policies to rescue sales. However, whether the automaker will take action to address these concerns remains to be seen.For Jeep, the challenge lies in maintaining its brand value while regaining consumer trust and interest in its vehicles.

Parma ham is one of Italy's tastiest exports. Now it's in big trouble

Renowned for its exquisite taste, Parma ham, or Prosciutto di Parma, holds a special place in Italian culinary tradition. This delicacy, protected by strict guidelines, is crafted in Emilia Romagna using Italian pork legs, salt, and air. Annually generating $1.6 billion, Parma ham attracts food enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to experience its authentic flavor in its place of origin.However, this culinary gem faces mounting challenges. Climate change and African swine fever have significantly impacted production. Warmer nights now require curing rooms to be equipped with air conditioning, as traditional methods relying on cool, fresh air struggle against rising temperatures.African swine fever, a contagious virus fatal to pigs, has further strained the industry. Over 200,000 pigs in Lombardy alone have been culled since the outbreak in 2021, with severe consequences for supply and pricing. Stricter controls and international pork export bans from affected regions have compounded difficulties, reducing the availability of high-quality pork legs and driving costs up.Italian pigs have been at risk from a swine fever outbreak that emerged in 2021. Luca Bruno/APDespite these challenges, Parma’s prosciutto producers remain steadfast. Traditional methods, like the 400-day curing process and meticulous quality checks with horse-bone needles, continue to preserve the art of Parma ham-making. Meanwhile, food lovers flock to the region, enjoying not only the ham but also its pairing with other local delicacies like Parmesan cheese and Modena balsamic vinegar.Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges. Producers are adapting to climate changes and advocating for better understanding of safety measures to maintain export markets. While obstacles persist, the resilience of Parma ham artisans ensures that this iconic product retains its place on the global stage.