FCA Plans Mini-Jeep for India

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV says its iconic Jeep SUV brand will add an entry-level mini-crossover to its lineup in India by about 2020.

The little crossover model will ride on the same FCA platform that carries the Fiat 500 and Panda small cars. The vehicle will be assembled locally at FCA’s Fiat factory in Ranjangaon, which currently builds the larger Jeep Compass SUV.

The mini-Jeep will compete with such models as the Ford Escosport, Tata Nexon and Honda WR-V.

FCA also confirms it also will add a three-row, midsize SUV in India within five years. That model will be positioned above the Compass.

FCA plans to boost annual capacity at the Ranjangaon plant 50% to 240,000 units and use the facility as a regional export hub. The company also says it will double its number of dealers in India, in part by adding new territories within the country.