Take it easy! It's a prediction from a consulting firm. Look a year back and see how correct any consulting firms predictions were.
It's just a press-release probably sent out to sitr the waters and create publicity dor said consulting firm.
As for the Fiat Panda, it's actually a capable little off-roader. I've seen a test here where they pitched it against Range Rovers top-model and the little fiat held it's own! Here's the youtube clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAg4DdXAp7Y
Fiat and other south-european car manufacturers have always built small 4x4 especially suited for the alpine regions. They have always been light, spartan and capable.
While that concept may seem like a radio-flyer with a lawn-mover engine strapped on, it actually works! Light weight and a small footprint can be a real benefit offroad.
Ok look here:
What is this? A four-door 4x4
And what is this?
A four-door 4x4
I do recognize that there is some pride and tradition to the Jeep brand, but ask yourself, which brands are still owned by the founders? which car brands are more that just another badge on a platform shared with other models with slightly different headlights and fenders..?
P.S. Remember it wasn't even Jeep - or Willys - who invented the Jeep, it was American Bantam, a company with English roots, who developed the first prototypes, only to whitness Ford and Willys Overland take over the design and the contract!
