Jeep to launch compact SUV rivalling Duster and EcoSport in 2014

Those of you who are Jeep fans, the next three years are going to be really interesting, with four new products being lined up from Jeep. Two of those are coming this October – the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler.

The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee will, however, be priced above Rs. 25 lakh and above Rs. 40 lakh respectively. But what’s even more interesting is the fact that Jeep is developing two more compact SUVs – one specifically for the Indian market that will be priced to directly compete with the Renault Duster and the Ford EcoSport in the Rs. 10 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh price segment. The second one will be in the C-segment, which is the market in which the Skoda Yeti, Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour and others compete in. Also read:Jeep to enter India with Cherokee and Wrangler

A report in The Financial Express quotes Fiat Group Automobiles India MD Enrico Atanasio as saying that the company is developing two small SUVs, one in the B-segment Rs. 10 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh price segment and another in C-segment Rs. 14 lakh – Rs. 15 lakh price segment that will be launched in India in 2014 and 2015. India will be the first market for this B-segment SUV before it is exported to other emerging markets.

Fiat itself is planning to launch a compact SUV or at least a hatchback with SUV character which would be priced between Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 9 lakh. This could most likely be the Fiat Punto Adventure as was reported earlier, unless Fiat invests in extensive tooling changes to build an all-new product on the Fiat Punto platform. Also read: Fiat planning to launch Fiat Punto Adventure

Fiat and Jeep plan to make India a hub to export compact cars and SUVs, as it benefits from lower manufacturing costs. Also India is one of the faster emerging markets for automobiles, with companies such as Hyundai, Ford and Volkswagen all adopting similar strategies. Exports from India will cater to South East Asia and African markets. Also read: Five upcoming car trends for 2013

Source: The Financial Express