The only way for the company's resurgence in the Indian market.
Under the leadership of newly appointed chief executive officer Kevin Flynn, FCA India is looking to revamp its product strategies and its after-sales service, reports Economic Times.
Along with that, FCA will finally introduce the Jeep brand at the Auto Expo 2016, with two products: Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler. The former will be assembled at the Fiat-Tata JV plant in Ranjangaon, while the later will be imported via the CBU route. Jeep announced that in 2012 that it would launch the Jeep brand in 2013, but has since delayed the launch.
In 2017, Jeep will unveil an India-made compact SUV, which is currently undergoing testing in Brazil. In international markets, the compact SUV (codenamed 551) will replace the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass, featuring a contemporary styling that's along the lines of the Grand Cherokee. The models made in India will be exported to RHD countries like Australia, reports said.
As for Fiat, the company is looking to revamp its product lineup. The report states that the Fiat India is working on the Fiat 326 modular platform for a future hatchback, sedan and SUV. This is inline with reports from last year, which mentioned that Fiat will introduce a sub-compact SUV (codenamed X3U) that will be based on the same platform. Currently, the 326 platform underpins the Fiat Palio sold in Brazil.
Also on the cards for Fiat is the Fiat Tipo (Fiat Egea in Turkey). Reports suggest that the Fiat Tipo could be manufactured in India and Brazil. If the reports turns out to be true, it, or the Grand Siena from Brazil, is expected to serve as the long-term successor to the Fiat Linea sedan.
[Source: ET Auto]
