Jeep Planning New Made-In-India SUV On Tata Sierra Architecture

Jeep India is set to bring a new SUV for the Indian market based on the Tata Sierra's ARGOS platform. The Stellantis-owned brand is expected to utilise the architecture for an upcoming mid-size SUV, a move that could help reduce development costs while allowing the company to offer a more competitively priced product in one of India's most important segments.

Stellantis and Tata Motors have reportedly entered into a new partnership focused on developing a mid-size SUV. Despite offering capable products such as the Compass and Meridian, Jeep's sales in India have been under pressure for several years.

To address this challenge, Jeep is expected to adopt Tata Motors' ARGOS platform for a new-generation SUV tailored for the Indian market. The upcoming model is likely to be manufactured in India and could also be exported to several international markets.

Jeep To Use Tata Sierra ARGOS Platform

The ARGOS platform is the same architecture that underpins vehicles such as the Tata Sierra. It has been designed to support petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains, while also offering all-wheel-drive capability. These characteristics make it an attractive option for Jeep's future product plans.

Stellantis already has an established relationship with Tata Motors as an engine supplier, providing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines used in select Tata vehicles. Under the reported arrangement, Tata Motors is expected to supply the ARGOS platform for Jeep's upcoming SUV.

However, the platform will be the only major shared element. Jeep is expected to develop its own exterior styling, engineering, body structure, interior design, key components, and overall vehicle character to maintain its distinct brand identity and driving characteristics.

Stellantis operates its own facility in Chennai, where development work on the new SUV could take place. Production, however, is expected to be handled at the Tata-Stellantis manufacturing facility in Pune, where the model may be built alongside other Tata vehicles.

Why ARGOS?

ARGOS is a highly flexible and cost-effective platform that can support multiple body styles and powertrain options. According to reports, Jeep also evaluated Citroen's C-Cubed platform. However, its front-wheel-drive limitations and older-generation architecture reportedly made it less suitable for the brand's requirements.

The newer ARGOS platform offers greater versatility, supports multiple powertrain technologies, and can accommodate all-wheel-drive systems, ultimately making it the preferred choice for the project.

Jeep India has been facing challenges in recent years, largely due to higher pricing, elevated manufacturing costs, and increasing competition from better-equipped rivals. By using the ARGOS platform, the company could significantly reduce development and production expenses, enabling it to introduce more competitively priced products.