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View Poll Results: Would you consider purchasing a Jeep in India at present?
Yes 94 20.57%
No 363 79.43%
Voters: 457. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 9th August 2023, 16:28   #16
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted ‘No’

Much as I love the car and have wanted to buy one for the last 2-3 years, they’ve constantly priced it out of my budget completely. And ridiculously so. I started looking at the Tucson only because their Model S cost almost as much as a fully kitted ADAS2 carrying Tucson petrol.

I know a Jeep is a Jeep is a Jeep. It’s one of the few vehicles that out a smile on my face when I test drove it. But my POV: 6 airbags are still considered a ‘luxury’ in India (the Jeep SA told me so many are not needed, 2 are enough ) but I can’t justify paying close to 28L for an ‘entry level’ Jeep which has only 2, or 30 for the next level Nighthawk, which again has only 2.. especially not when you’re claiming you are a ‘luxury SUV’ as they kept telling me in the showroom. And all I want is a mechanically sorted car but I had 2 airbags in my Duster 7 years ago and it cost me 1/3rd.. it’s like they’ve forgotten where the rest of the car market is going.

It’s a lovely car but it reminds me of the old adage of the greatest car in the world that a man bought and when it suddenly stopped a few miles from the showroom he realised there is no engine under the bonnet. ‘It was running on reputation’ he was told That will only get you so far Jeep. I’m still looking for my next car, please get your act together.
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Old 9th August 2023, 16:55   #17
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted No.

Although I love design language of JEEP vehicles, the tough build and what they offer as a differentiation than other SUVs but the price point the JEEP fellows are quoting for these vehicle are insane to say the least.

The abysmal presence of dealership and service points adds the pain of owning these machines.
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Old 9th August 2023, 17:42   #18
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted NO for 3 reasons

1. Reliability & Brand Experience - Compass is the breadwinner for Jeep in India. Compass is a 10-year-old global model. However, for the volume of Compass' (being a global model) sold in India (which is low), the ratio of horror stories is too high. For eg - Harrier (which is still unreliable) is a 100% better car than the Compass in terms of reliability and ASS experience. So Jeep MUST address this on a war foot basis to sustain that niche/premium tag. The dealer network is monopolized in most of the cities in India which is also the reason for poor ASS experience.

2. Product and its positioning - Compass/Meridian/Wrangler/Grand Cherokee - all are niche products and not targeted at the mass market. Jeep is not a luxury brand, nor does it have the brand image/snob value of luxury brands. So with such low volumes and high pricing, I am still wondering how the brand still survives in India.

3. Future roadmap - As of today, there is no road map or firm timeline that builds the prospect's confidence and attracts them to the brand. Even if tomorrow Jeep shuts its shop, it will not be surprising.
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Old 10th August 2023, 09:52   #19
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted YES. Being current owner of Compass 2wd, would like to own 4wd sometime. I would buy only the Compass even it its with AT as there is no other car that offers the dynamics with AWD capability.

On the path ahead, bring the 2L turbo petrol in Compass/Meridian and Avenger. Jeep will easily make up for the last time.
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Old 10th August 2023, 09:54   #20
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

While I echo the same concerns as everyone mentioned above, I guess they still have hope. I read somewhere that Stellantis India is a profitable unit ( I dont know the details , probably due to higher margins per unit or licensing etc ).

They blew up on petrol and its too late to correct. However, Stellantis ( globally ) seems to bet big on electrification and I believe STLA M or S platform could get launched in India by 2026 in form of Avenger/Compass/ Meridian. They should launch Avenger petrol sooner in < 20L segment and hold on till 2026 EV launches.
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Old 10th August 2023, 10:04   #21
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted No

I am in the market for a SUV of 30L and my thoughts were:
1. Exteriors and Interiors still looked pretty good despite the age
2. The brand is powerful.

The concerns were:
1. Reliability of the car heard is not that great with minor niggles
2. Service Quality is also that great.
3. Even if the first 2 were common with Tatas and Mahindras, the bigger question was : 1. Will they be around in 5 years time?
4. Seemed expensive for the size.
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Old 10th August 2023, 11:03   #22
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted No. They seem to be in a space where Ford was. Ageing lineup with diminishing sales. As a Ford customer, I would definitely avoid purchasing another product from a firm that might exit the market soon.
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Old 10th August 2023, 11:44   #23
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted Yes (heart over head decision ). I have always admired Compass for its fantastic, clean looks and excellent performance. It is on my purchase list for too long before the prices go up exponentially. Now, I can only consider the pre-worshipped route.
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Old 10th August 2023, 12:51   #24
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted Yes, The criteria for me is first engine performance, the comfort and then safety. Jeep ticks all the boxes.

About Engine - FIAT 2.0 liter is rock solid yes there is some lag in 9 speed gear box but it serves the purpose.

About comfort - This is the only car I could do 700+ Kms in a day without any fatigue. Also past 5 years ownership I did not had any issues (touchwood, I have heard some horrors but for Landmark Mumbai helped me very well)

About Safety - I have seen some accidents but not heard any casualty. Latest one I heard was on Samruddhi Highway and every one came out well with some injuries.

Also I feel the segment Jeep compass is niche.
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Old 10th August 2023, 12:54   #25
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted no.

With Meridian Jeep had an opportunity to take the fight to Fortuner, squandered that away with by plonking it with the same engine as Compass. Who on earth would do that but the Jeep leadership...! Toyota is laughing all the way to the bank cos of that blunder.

Compass is butch but a bit long on the tooth now, need a fresher model to keep the interest going. They need to bring the newer models like the Renegade and also the new Wrangler.

Its a long haul Jeep folks, invest and stay invested....take a leaf out of Hyundai's play book if you want to succeed. Read last day that Stellantis is considering re-launching Fiat, now unless you get your act together...writing is on the wall...again.
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Old 10th August 2023, 13:31   #26
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

I voted Yes. If I have surplus 30 Big ones to spare I will definitely buy a Compass. Jeep is an SUV maker primarily focused towards the Premium end and it is staying with its DNA.

If Jeep has to see big numbers then it needs to have something in the Creta/Seltos Price range. Jeep needs to understand that an average Indian prefers Practicality. Creta/Seltos provides same Cabin space compared to Compass (leaving aside Ride & Interior Quality).

You also will find more number of buyers in the 5.0L to 20L category whereas Jeep Compass starts at 22L. So it is out of contention for many prospective buyers.

In 50L category you have the mighty Fortuner breathing down the neck of Jeep meridian. My default choice will be Fortuner if I am paying 50L.

e.g. My cousin who lives in USA visited India recently. He wanted his Parents living in India to own a car for their occasional commute. He wanted to buy a Compass but his Parents did not want to spend 25+ lakhs on a 4/5 seater when you have the likes of Scorpio breathing down their neck. For Practicality they went ahead with Kia Karens. For 16 lakhs they got a 6 seater spacious petrol car.

So my dear Jeep you cannot sell something the size of a Creta at the price range of 6 to 8 seater Beasts.

(No offence to Compass owners)
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Old 10th August 2023, 14:09   #27
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
- Fresh models. You cannot run an auto company in India where your mainstay product is now 6 years old.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
- Better pricing. The Compass was always premium-priced and has only gotten more expensive with time.
True, unless you are TOYOTA

If Jeep can't get new models they should take lessons from TOYOTA how to have absolute market dominance in their segment. Toyota ideally has only 2 products but both are ruling their segments like no other inspite of getting more and more expensive overtime.

I just love the Compass and its kinda dream car for me but looking at the way Jeep is going, doesnt look like the dream would ever see light of day. Hence voted NO

Last edited by SoumenD : 10th August 2023 at 14:21.
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Old 10th August 2023, 14:51   #28
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoumenD View Post
True, unless you are TOYOTA

If Jeep can't get new models they should take lessons from TOYOTA how to have absolute market dominance in their segment. Toyota ideally has only 2 products but both are ruling their segments like no other inspite of getting more and more expensive overtime.
That's the power of Toyota brand. Was in Addis Ababa recently and it is a Toyota country; much like most of Africa. Cars, pick-ups, SUV's, mini-bus...you name it, all Toyota.

Was talking to a colleague on it, apparently dealers there had created such an aura around Toyota that one would be doomed if he was to buy anything else. Toyota's superior product quality, resultant longevity & resale value, availability spares etc. definitely made it a no brainer.

Saw a lot of Hyundai's & Germans from VW stable, but fades in comparison to the Japs.
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Old 10th August 2023, 15:00   #29
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted NO! I think Jeep as a brand is finished! Being a mass market brand you don't hike prices like you're one of the German Triumvirate and get away with it, that's the audacity of Jeep in India! A hike of of prices ranging from Rs 47k to Rs 3.14L WT# Looks like Jeep is doing Indians a service by setting up shop here! Exit imminent!

Last edited by Durango Dude : 10th August 2023 at 15:15.
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Old 10th August 2023, 15:08   #30
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Re: Jeep in India | The Path Ahead

Voted No.

I would understand if Jeep does not want to be a volume player in India, but their marketing and pricing strategies are not yeilding sustainable numbers

Jeep India's current sales tally is a repeat of what Fiat went through before closing down and I dont see any reason that suggests this will have a different ending.
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