Report: Jeep currently working on a subcompact crossover SUV, to be launched sometime in 2014
Word through the pipeline via Edmunds.com is that Jeep is currently in the works with producing an all-new subcompact SUV-crossover, which has been described to be roughly the same size as the latest Ford Fiesta. It will be based on a Fiat platform—which should come to no surprise considering Jeep’s partial ownership under the umbrella of the Italian automaker.
The new Jeep has yet to be named, but it will be assembled in Italy and will be marketed globally with a launch to happen in China, as described by Jeep’s CEO Mike Manley.
“The weight of that market today is outside North America, predominately Europe,” Manley told Edmunds. “It is growing in China. I think when we launch our SUV here, you are going to see quite significant growth in that segment in the U.S.”
Automakers have recently been betting on growth in demand for new subcompact crossovers. For instance, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have been working on subcompact luxury crossovers for quite some time. That said, Jeep obviously seeks to jump on the bandwagon as the brand only manufactures SUVs or crossovers.
A launch date is expected sometime in 2014 for the US.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Edmunds.com
