Compass would be Jeep’s first vehicle to be manufactured in India. The US-based motor vehicle manufacturing company is expected to make India its exporting hub for Compass.
The Jeep brand will unveil its international model Compass in India later this year. This would also be the first Made in India model of the popular automobile company, Jeep.
The 75-year-old company will launch both petrol and diesel engines with a six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearbox. This is expected to be the most reasonably priced model for the Indian market. Jeep is likely to keep the price below Rs. two million ($31,000). The Compass would directly compete with Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Hexa. All these SUV vehicles are priced below $30,000 in India. Considering Jeep’s popularity and commitment to deliver high quality SUVs, the consumer would benefit from tougher, all terrain and 4×4 vehicle with a competitive price tag.
“This is a global product and we are glad that our Indian plant has been given the responsibility of producing the Compass for the world,” said Kevin Flynn, President and MD of Fiat Chrysler Autobmobiles, NDTV reported.
Reportedly, the design of Jeep’s Compass would remain same as in the US. The four-by-four wheel drive vehicle will be launched in three driving modes including Snow, Sand and Rock options. These options would change the power delivery and drive characteristics of the SUV. Jeep’s Compass will come with a black roof option, too.
Jeep kicked off its India debut by announcing its popular models Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, last year. While the Wrangler is priced around Rs 5.6 million ($86,500) , the Grand Cherokee is almost double with a price tag between Rs. 9.3 million and Rs. 11 million.
The company would use Fiat’s Ranjangaon Plant near Pune, Maharashtra. The company is expected to make India an exporting hub for its automobiles.