2 weeks Ago By Team GaadiWaadi
The new MD & CEO of Stellantis India, Shailesh Hazela, says the SUV game has moved to the sub-20 lakh segment and Jeep would like to have its presence there While speaking to a publication, Shailesh said, “We’ve been in the Jeep segment, which is Rs 25 lakh-plus. The market is shifting. The core is moving from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 17 lakh, that is the market we must play.
” These comments from Hazela confirm that Jeep India was previously working on an all-new Rs 15-20 lakh Compact SUV which would be manufactured in India but sold in the ASEAN markets as well. The Jeep Avenger was a potential candidate for this project but for some reason, it was not carried forward here and was developed in Europe instead. As for the Indian product, the project might still be stuck in the planning stage, but as per the rumour mill, the Jeep’s Compact SUV will most probably be based on Citroen’s Common Modular Platform (CMP), which underpins the recently introduced Basalt coupe-SUV and the C3 range of cars in India.
Also Read: Jeep Compass & Meridian Get Massive Discounts In August Do not let the platform choice derail your thoughts as the product from Jeep promises to retain the Jeep DNA by offering more than adequate ground clearance and AWD or 4×4 tech. This would make it standout in the segment, which is filled with products like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Curvv, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Tata Harrier, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and the Honda Elevate. Hazela continued to say, “We aspire to play in that segment and keep the Jeep DNA, with the tech integrated, so we can sustain for 7-8 years.
” Also Read: Jeep Renegade Compact SUV Confirmed To Be Revived As An EV The newly developed SUV will unlikely be just for the Indian market and is expected to be a global product. Several models are being considered from the Citroen’s CMP platform and based on the pricing and capability of the product; it will not be launched in India alone. Hazela states this particular product will have a global role, especially in the ASEAN region.
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