Jeep Compass, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India’s first regionally produced sport-utility vehicle (SUV), officially rolled off the assembly line at the automaker’s Ranjangaon plant.
The start of production views India joining China, Brazil and Mexico as a production and export center for the Jeep Compass, the most capable compact SUV ever. Ranjangaon will be the only export center for right-hand-drive (RHD) markets around the world.
Senior government officials and business leaders attended the roll-off event, consisting of Shri DevendraFadnavis, Chief Minister, government of Maharashtra; Paul Alcala, FCA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the APAC region, non-China; Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director of FCA India; Gurpratap Boparai, CEO of FIAPL and Shri Girish Bapat, Guardian Minister of Pune.
“The establishment of making operations and start of production of the Jeep Compass is an essential milestone for our journey in India,” stated Paul Alcala. “The Compass will be the very first ‘Made in India’ Jeep vehicle, and we are appreciative of the Government’s efforts to make India a desirable manufacturing destination for multi-national automakers, such as ours. With the start of production and an investment of US$ 280 million in the Jeep Compass localization, we are reaffirming our dedication to Indian consumers and our long-lasting existence in the nation.”
The Jeep Compass will remain in full production in July and automobiles are anticipated to arrive in car dealerships throughout India in the 3rd quarter of 2017 in three versions: Sport, Longitude and Limited.
Regionally, the Compass will come geared up with different combinations of diesel and fuel engines paired with manual and automatic transmissions, providing clients over 50 trim setups and value plans.
By the end of 2017, the Jeep brand’s portfolio in the country will include three brand-new models. The locally-produced Jeep Compass will join the renowned Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Deliveries for RHD markets outside India will begin in the last quarter of this year.
