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Jeep Plans Subcompact Models For 2014
Many auto companies these days are headed towards the high profit and high growth compact car segment. Fiat owned Jeep is no exception to this trend and it is now learnt that the U.S based SUV brand plans to introduce subcompact vehicles that are smaller than than the Cherokee. Edmunds, which interviewed Jeep CEO Mike Manley, was informed that the unnamed baby Jeep will be built on a Fiat platform, just like the 2014 Cherokee and will be primarily meant for the markets outside of the U.S.
"The weight of that market today is outside North America, predominantly Europe," said Manley. "It is growing in China. I think when we launch our SUV here, you are going to see quite significant growth in that segment in the U.S."
While he does not specifically mention India, it is known that Jeep is currently looking to introduce the Cherokee and the Wrangler models in India later this year, possibly during the festive season. While initially these could be offered as CBU, they will be eventually assembled locally to bring down the price. However, for Jeep to be able to sell a good number of units in a price conscious country like ours, it will have to consider launching a product priced lower down the order.
Manley has informed Edmunds that a subcompact Jeep would measure 4.2 meters (the 2013 Cherokee is 4.6 meters long). A smaller Jeep will also drink considerably less fuel, while still offering a SUV like stance and ride quality. Such a product fits the bill perfectly for India, as has been proved by products like the Renault Duster and the Ford EcoSport. A compact Jeep will only be a more premium counterpart to the mass market crossovers.
The new subcompact Jeep will be produced in Italy and offered across Europe and even the U.S and China, next year. Going by that time line these products could enter India by 2015 or 2016.
Subcompact Jeep Planned For 2014 Launch
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