Jeep Compact SUVs To Be Made In India

Jeep, the SUV brand of Fiat Chrysler, has formally landed on Indian soil with the Wrangler, priced at Rs 71.59 lakh and the Grand Cherokee, starting at Rs 93.64 lakh. The futuristic plan is to make localised Jeep models, on the B and C segments, 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 segment and C segment SUVs for Jeep will be produced in India. The C segment Jeep, 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 segment Jeep, which will be tested in India by Fiat.

The B segment Jeep, 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 segment Jeep will be based on a mini-Renegade SUV, which is mainly aimed at international markets and rising sales figures.

The Jeep C segment model is benchmarked and put on par with the BMW X1, at a price range of Rs 15-20 lakh. 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 this year.

Jeep is keen on stamping its authority on the Indian market, while not sacrificing on exports and sales figures. Making the B segment and C segment SUVs in India, will also increase localisation and support the ‘Make In India’ campaign.