Jeep has planned on increasing its domain by producing compact SUVs in the range of Rs. 10-20 lakhs for the Indian market.
Jeep, the SUV brand of Fiat Chrysler, has formally landed on Indian soil with the Wrangler, priced at Rs. 71.59 lakhs and the Grand Cherokee, starting at Rs. 93.64 lakhs. The futuristic plan is to make localised Jeep models, on the B and C SUVs, that are better suited to the market and that will take on the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Creta and Mahindra XUV500 directly.
Reportedly, both the B and C SUVs for Jeep will be produced in India. The C SUV, codenamed the 556, will be launched within a year and the company is keen on producing it for many right-hand drive markets too. The company’s manufacturing line in Ranjangaon will roll out the C SUV, which will be tested in India by Fiat.
The B SUV, codenamed the 526, is touted to be a sub-4 metre SUV falling in the Rs. 10-15 lakhs category. Once launched, it will directly rival the Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Ford EcoSport. The B SUV will be based on a mini-Renegade SUV, which is mainly aimed at international markets for better sales figures.
The B SUV Jeep is benchmarked and put on par with the BMW X1, at a price range of Rs. 15-20 lakhs. The Jeep brand is expected to be kept above the existing mass SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport etc. Fiat Chrysler has also invested $280 million in their new production facility. Their products will be on display in more than 10 showrooms across India by the end of 2016.
Jeep is keen on stamping its authority on the Indian market, while not sacrificing on exports and sales figures. Making the B and C SUVs in India, will also increase localisation and support the ‘Make In India’ campaign.
Jeep Compact SUVs To Be Made In India
– Jeep entered India recently with the introduction of Wrangler and Grand Cherokee
– Jeep plans to produce compact SUVs in India for right-hand drive markets
– The B SUV will be priced between Rs. 10-15 lakhs while the C SUV is expected at Rs. 15-20 lakhs
– The C SUV is expected to launch within a year
– Jeep aims to be ahead of the mass production SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport, etc.
Source – ETAuto.com
