Ever since Fiat’s plans on future vehicles for India were revealed, speculations humming in domestic market regarding Jeep Renegade launch were put to rest. It is official now that Fiat will bring Jeep brand to India by mid 2015, however Renegade SUV will not be launched in India next year as speculated. Instead, the first two SUVs to be rolled out from Jeep in India include Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.
These two SUVs will go on sale in domestic market by 2015. Both Wrangler and Grand Cherokee will be available in India as a completely built unit. These two vehicles will help the brand to make a rapport with the India customers, however CBU route for these vehicles have been decided anticipating low demand for the two SUVs.
After introduction of these two SUVs, Jeep will then introduce a C segment SUV by 2016. The C segment SUV will be assembled locally in India which will enable Jeep to price it competitively. A hypothetical price of Rs 20 lakh is being speculated for the SUV. Production of the unnamed C Segment SUV is expected to go on floors by 2016 in India at Fiat’s Ranjangaon manufacturing facility and the vehicle will be exported to other international markets from India. The new SUV will replace Patriot and Compass models in international market and will be positioned a notch above Renegade.
Jeep will offer new C segment SUV in petrol as well as diesel engine options. Being a part of premium SUV segment, the company is expected to equip an array of features inside the vehicle.
