Jeep to build models in India

[haven]

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1507-jeep-to-build-models-in-india-starting-2017-with-tata/

Indian auto conglomerate Tata, the parent company of Jaguar Land Rover among many other brands, has entered into an agreement with Fiat Chrysler to build Jeep models in India. Tata already has agreements to build certain Fiat models. It looks like the Renegade is the most likely choice to begin the new partnership.

This agreement is part of Fiat Chrysler's plan to turn Jeep's cachet into a global auto brand. The Renegade and Cherokee are built in China already. A new plant to build the Renegade is under construction in Brasil. And the Renegade's first factory is in Melfi, Italy.

 

[MTSN]

Tata has been great for Land Rover, so it will be interesting to see how this relationship turns out. It sounds like strictly manufacturing though unlike Tata's other brands, but it could be a good move to increase profitability for Jeep (remember those abysmal quarterly/annual results?). Personally I'm hoping that Wranglers' and Grand Cherokees' production stays elsewhere, and it sounds like that will be the case.

 

[ihatemybike]

Wonder why they didn't contract with Mahindra.

 

[justcuz]

Me too, Mahindra has a history building Jeeps under license in India since the 50's.

 

[tgreening]

Me too, Mahindra has a history building Jeeps under license in India since the 50's.

More like Jeep-ish.

 

[justcuz]

More like Jeep-ish.

No actually assembling Jeeps under license from Willys Overland. Originally they were knock down kits that were shipped and assembled in India. My Mom actually remembers one of the Mahindra brothers coming to Toledo to conduct business meetings, on several occasions with Jeep management. Mom said he would always bring small gifts for all the women in the secretarial pool. A very polite and gracious man was my Moms comments about him.
Later as their manufacturing empire grew that may have changed but I can't see how they were not still building Jeeps under some type of licensing agreement.

 

[ihatemybike]

I would drive the heck out of a Mahindra Thar!

 

[bluehash]

I would drive the heck out of a Mahindra Thar!

I use to get a ride in one when I was a kid. Normally with no doors. It was an experience.

 

[tgreening]

No actually assembling Jeeps under license from Willys Overland. see how they were not still building Jeeps under some type of licensing agreement.

I dunno. I've been to India on several occasions and while I saw plenty of "Jeep-ish" vehicles built by Mahindra, I never saw an honest to god American style Jeep.