Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced an expansion to the local product lineup in India, confirming that an investment of over $250 million has been committed towards the production of four new Jeep SUVs.
The all-new local vehicle line-up includes the 2021 made-in-India Jeep Compass, a locally produced and global-first three-row Jeep SUV, as well as the iconic Jeep Wrangler and next-generation Grand Cherokee flagship, which will both be locally assembled in FCA’s joint venture manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon. The four new products will be on Indian roads by the end of 2022.
The 2021 Jeep Compass is set to be unveiled in India on 7th January 2021, and production has already commenced. The luxury seven-seat mid-size Jeep, codenamed H6, will be launched in 2022.
Commenting on the announcement, FCA India Managing Director, Dr. Partha Datta said, “Our new investment of $250 million will give us a competitive edge in multiple segments with our new Jeep SUVs rolling out of Ranjangaon.”
“This investment is in addition to $450 million we have already committed to our Indian operations over the past five years. We are delighted to announce our exciting new products, coupled with our continued commitment to India in Jeep brand’s 80th anniversary year”, said Dr. Datta.
FCA recently announced its footprint expansion in India with investment in a Global Digital Centre in Hyderabad. The automotive group also expanded its Engineering operations recently and will be creating at least 1000 new jobs by the end of 2021.
In 2015, FCA invested in the local development and production of the Jeep Compass in Ranjangaon. Besides, FCA has upgraded powertrains to meet BS-VI regulations and invested in transmission and drive-line development for product configurations offered in India.
Dr. Datta 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.”
The Jeep brand made its debut in India in 2016, followed by the launch of the award-winning Jeep Compass in 2017. The storied SUV brand has carved a premium position for itself in India, by setting new benchmarks in safety, engineering quality and capability.
