(1 rate)
|
Under a joint venture, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Tata Motors are planning to produce new Jeep vehicles in India. Fiat has invested a sum of USD 280 Million for this venture. The production will take place in the Ranjangaon plant in Maharashtra in the second quarter of 2017. The CEO of FCA, Mr Sergio Marchionne, was quoted as saying, “We are pleased that this investment will strengthen FCA presence in India and are confident in the ability of the joint venture to produce word class products like those carrying the legendary Jeep nameplate.”
The powertrain of the new Jeep is speculated to offer a 1.5 litre MultiJet unit as well as a 2 litre MultiJet unit. This engine is anticipated to be linked with an All Wheel Drive setup equipped in the vehicle. This upcoming Jeep is expected to give a tough fight to models like Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner. Reportedly, a new compact SUV carrying a 1.5 litre MultiJet diesel engine is also going to be introduced by the company. If it does, it will be interesting to see the fight between this upcoming vehicle with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Suzuki S-Cross.
Till now, the Jeep vehicles are being manufactured in Fiat's plants located in USA, Italy and Brazil. Soon it intends to start production in China by the end of this year, followed by India in 2017. Presently, the Maharashtra plant has a capacity to produce a maximum of 1.35 Lacs units annually, which is likely to get doubled by 2018.
The Indian automobile market is predicted to become world's third largest market by 2020. Moreover, the SUV segment is witnessing a high rate of growth, especially in India. Thus, a lot of automobile brands are showing interest to launch their respective vehicles in the country. Apart from Fiat, other big companies like Volkswagen and Toyota are also planning to come up with SUVs for India.
Get latest and updated information about automobiles on our Google Plus Community Speed Gears.
 |
 |
 |
 |
