Electric Cars

A Landmark Partnership for Moab's Outdoor Legacy

Moab's Endorsement of Jeep as its Official 4WD

The Moab City Council unanimously approved a two-year sponsorship agreement with FCA US LLC, officially naming Jeep as the city's "Official 4WD." This decision came after Jeep was the sole respondent to the city's request for vehicle sponsorship proposals, highlighting the brand's unique connection with the region's off-road culture.

Financial and Vehicle Benefits for Moab

Under the terms of the agreement, Moab will receive an annual payment of $125,000 in unrestricted funds from FCA, totaling $250,000 over the two-year period. Additionally, Jeep will loan five vehicles to the city, a benefit estimated by city officials to be worth approximately $200,000 in saved lease, purchase, and insurance costs. City Manager Michael Black noted that this loaned fleet allows Moab to sell existing vehicles, potentially generating an additional $50,000 to $75,000 for the city's vehicle fund.

Marketing Commitments and Exclusivity

Jeep has also committed to a "Media Value Support Commitment" of $10 million over two years. While FCA retains full control over the placement and nature of these advertisements, this figure significantly surpasses Moab's annual tourism advertising budget. In exchange for this substantial investment, Jeep gains exclusive rights, preventing competing automotive brands from sponsoring Moab or its events. The agreement also grants FCA a worldwide license to utilize Moab's name and event footage in its marketing efforts, alongside dedicated email communications to the city's marketing list.

Commitment to Trail Preservation and Community Engagement

Beyond financial and marketing aspects, Jeep has pledged to undertake at least two trail maintenance or preservation projects in the Moab area annually. The brand will also sponsor two local community events each year and produce promotional videos about the city. For the upcoming 2027 Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep plans to collaborate with organizations like Red Rock 4-Wheelers and Tread Lightly! on a dedicated project along the Chicken Corners trail corridor, working in conjunction with public-land managers. Potential sponsored events include the Red Rock Arts Festival and Moab's 125th incorporation anniversary celebration in 2027, with a suggestion to shift the latter to the winter season to avoid the crowded spring.

Safeguarding Moab's Identity and Future

Councilmember Miles Loftin emphasized the importance of city oversight on Jeep's marketing campaigns to ensure that Moab's unique identity is not overshadowed. The agreement includes a provision for the city manager to pre-approve any use of Moab's name in Jeep marketing, with a 10-day window for objections. Councilmember Colin Topper highlighted that the two-year term incentivizes Jeep to genuinely represent "the soul of Moab" rather than merely commercializing it. To manage the increased workload from this partnership, City Manager Black proposed hiring a part-time staff member at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center, funded by the sponsorship proceed

Cultivating Innovation: The F-Type Reimagined

The Genesis of a Groundbreaking Car Project

Jeremy Clarkson's latest automotive adventure, 'Jeremy Grows a Car: A Clarkson's Farm Special,' has been officially greenlit by Prime Video. This standalone episode will chronicle the former 'Top Gear' presenter's return to car-building, but with an unprecedented twist: utilizing materials cultivated from his very own Diddly Squat Farm.

The Diddly Squat Farm's Contribution to Automotive Design

At the heart of this innovative project is a Jaguar F-Type V6S. Clarkson's vision extends beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to integrate Diddly Squat's agricultural bounty into the vehicle's construction. This includes a custom leather interior, wool carpets, and a pioneering flax-composite material destined for body panels—a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon fiber, grown and processed on the farm.

Collaboration with a Visionary Automotive Designer

To bring this audacious concept to fruition, Clarkson has enlisted the expertise of Ian Callum, a distinguished figure in automotive design. Callum, renowned for his work on the original F-Type, Jaguar XK, C-X75 concept, and Aston Martin models like the Vanquish, DB7, and DB9, lends considerable design credibility to the project. His involvement elevates the special beyond a mere reality TV stunt, offering a serious exploration into sustainable automotive materials.

Anticipated Release and Return to Car-Building

'Jeremy Grows a Car' is slated for release on Prime Video in 2027, with the exact premiere date yet to be announced. This marks Clarkson's first return to scripted car-building television since the conclusion of 'The Grand Tour,' following his amicable separation from James May and Richard Hammond in 2024. The special draws parallels to his past car-building stunts, notably the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust from 'Top Gear,' inviting audiences to witness whether flax composite can outperform its predecessors in durability and innovation.