The JEEP might return to India!

If sources are to be believed, Fiat is all set to bring the Jeep brand to India. Fiat took control of Chrysler in 2008, just before the American icon was to end up in bankruptcy courts. The Grand Cherokee will be the first Jeep to be launched in India. 

The Grand Cherokee:

The Grand Cherokee is a premium SUV and will compete with the likes of the Audi Q5 and Landcruiser Prado in India. Internationally, the Grand Cherokee is powered by a range of V6 and V8 petrol engines, mated to a CVT automatic transmission. India is most likely to get only the 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel. All the better we say, as petrol SUVs have inevitably ended up as market duds in India. The Cherokee's 3 liter diesel engine is rated at 188 BHP and 440 Nm of torque. The powerplant is developed and built by Fiat Powertrain & VM Motori. 

The Wrangler:

We're also hopeful of the Wrangler making it to Indian shores. The Jeep Wrangler is amongst the world's best off-roaders. However, market penetration will be extremely limited, considering its high price, lack of diesel engines and cheaper 4x4 Jeep options (in particular, the Mahindra Thar). The off-roading scene in India is yet at a nascent stage. 

Do we expect the Cherokee to sell in large numbers? Not really. The Cherokee cannot match up to the brand value of the Big 3 from Germany (Mercedes, BMW & Audi). Neither is there any sales & service network to speak of. We doubt Fiat India has the expertise to market such a premium vehicle. Excited as we are about the JEEP making a return to India, we don't think it makes any business sense at all. 

Related links:

Member 'Gujarati' from Texas details the transformation of his Rubicon (Wrangler) into a hardcore 4x4