We are aware about the compact SUV underworks by Jeep, which is intended to be launched in India by 2015. The baby Jeep has now been spotted testing for the first time in heavy camouflage that reveals almost nothing about its design. The new compact offering is said to be called Jeep Laredo. It has been caught testing in Italy, where the mini SUV is set to be manufactured at Fiat’s Melfi plant situated in central Italy. The Jeep Laredo will make its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March and sales will commence in Europe this summer and in United States later in 2014.
The Jeep Laredo will be the first model of its brand to be produced outside United States. Alongside the Jeep Laredo, the Fiat Group will manufacture the Fiat 500X, which is a compact SUV based on the Jeep Laredo’s underpinnings. The Fiat 500X will make its global debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October. It will go on sale in Europe later this year and in 2015 to the rest of the markets including India. Fiat and Jeep are together planning an annual production of up to 2,80,000 units of the two models.
Earlier many reports said that the new entry level Jeep will be termed as Jeepster but Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that it won’t be called the Jeepster. The Laredo name was previously used for entry level trims of Jeeps by the company. The carmaker is aiming for good ride, handling and fuel efficiency for the Laredo. Both the offerings will measure around 4250 mm long and come with a four-wheel drive layout. However, the Fiat 500X will have front-wheel drive entry level variants for aggressive pricing.
Source – AutoNews