Jeep to launch 4 new SUVs in India by 2022
FCA India today announced a major expansion plan for the Indian market. The Jeep brand will remain the focus and four new SUVs from the brand are set to launch by the end of 2022. These four products will be the facelifted Jeep Compass set to debut on January 7, a new three-row SUV based on the Compass coming early 2022 and locally assembled versions of the Jeep Wrangler 4x4 and the next-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee set to debut globally soon. These products will be assembled at the firm's Ranjangaon facility.
The new three-row SUV is a new model codenamed H6 and will feature a new nameplate and unique looks to differentiate it from the Compass. As for the facelifted Compass, the first product in this new plan, production has already begun. Additionally, FCA has decided to invest a further USD 250 million in the Indian market to fund the development of these products. This is in addition to the USD 450 million the firm has already invested in India.
Among other developments, FCA has set up a Global Digital Centre in Hyderabad with an additional USD 150 million investment. The company has also expanded its plant operations in preparation for the new models and will add a 1,000 new jobs by the end of 2021. The earlier investment had gone into setting up local production for the Jeep Compass in 2015.
The updated Jeep Compass is set to feature an updated look and add a slew of interior updates. The fully reworked interiors will be highlighted by a new 10.1-inch UConnect infotainment offering SIM-based connectivity, a new steering wheel, a more premium dual-tone dashboard, added features and new seats. Engine options will likely remain unchanged from the current car.
The seven-seater derivative may sit on a lengthened wheelbase, carry a unique face and feature a redesigned rear section to accommodate the third row of seating, aside from a possibly a more powerful engine. Prices for the Jeep Wrangler currently start at Rs 63.94 lakh for the Sahara, a CKD version may reduce this significantly. As for the new Grand Cherokee, not much is known yet. It could feature the boxier look debuted by the Grand Wagoneer recently and may be larger than the model it replaces.
Dr Partha Datta, MD of FCA India added, "We are determined to increase locally-made componentry in our vehicles which are produced in our joint venture manufacturing facility. Our plans in India are aimed at increasing the value proposition for customers through our products and services, working hard on customer satisfaction and unlocking business opportunities for our business partners."