Jeep to build premium SUV in India by end 2016

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has long been mulling the introduction of the Jeep brand in India. Now the company has decided to manufacture a premium SUV under the Jeep name in the country and export it to markets such as Australia, South Africa and UK. Globally, it is likely to replace for the Patriot and Compass models. Fiat is planning to invest Rs. 1500-2000 crore for the project.

The development of the vehicle, codenamed M6 or 556, has already begun and the car is likely to go into production by the end of 2016 or early 2017. It is expected to be price in the Rs. 20-25 lakh range and will rival the Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe. For the production of the SUV, Jeep is likely to use Fiat's Ranjangaon plant where a new manufacturing line will be set up.

Apart from the SUV, Fiat is working on an all-new modular 326 platform which will be used to underpin new products which will replace the slow-selling Punto and Linea over the next 2-3 years. The Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee are also expected to be launched in sometime 2015.

Source: Economic Times