Looks like Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles are looking forward to the take the Jeep brand to the masses by building affordable Jeep’s. As per latest reports, Fiat might be looking to bury the hatchet with its yester-year partner, Tata Motors to help them build one. The Tata-Fiat relationship had gone sour over the failure of the sales joint venture but their car manufacturing pact is still running strong in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra.
The new mini SUV, which is still on the drawing board, might be a sub-four metre. As per reports, it is believed to be an EcoSport/Vitara Brezza competitor not only in terms of size, but also in terms of pricing. Jeep honcho Mike Manley said Jeep is open to explore opportunities with their long-time partner Tata Motors especially for engines and transmissions as well as the Indian giant’s expertise in low-cost manufacturing.
Mike Manley has openly said that India is one of the important markets for Jeep to expand its footprint amongst the developing economies including Brazil and China. But, with the GST coming in next year, it is not certain if the sub-four metre small cars will continue to get tax sops. In case they don’t, it will be natural for Jeep to build a Renault Duster/Hyundai Creta rival. Jeep can then price this new SUV aggressively below the Jeep Compass that should ideally carry a price tag between Rs 18-23 lakh ex-showroom in India.
