Jeep Reportedly Considers a “Baby” Jeep Model for Global Markets
This hypothetical subcompact Jeep would be smaller than the current Jeep Renegade
Just when you thought modern Jeeps couldn’t get any smaller
It might be hard to imagine a modern Jeep model that is smaller than the current iteration of the Jeep Renegade. However, reports indicate that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles may be developing precisely that.
According to Jeep head Mike Manley, Jeep is reportedly considering a “baby” Jeep model for international release.
The small Jeep model will most likely share a platform with the Fiat Panda and 500. Fiat already has a similar compact utility model in the form of the Fiat Panda Cross.
Panda production is migrating from the Pomigilano plant in Italy to Tychy plant in Poland sometime around 2020. The space left vacant at the Pomigilano factory could easily be filled by this minuscule Jeep model.
This hypothetical Jeep might be about the same size as Fiat’s Panda model
Of course, this isn’t the first time the rumors of a supposed baby Jeep have emerged in recent years. Reports indicate that the project has been encountering various roadblocks since early 2017.
One of the biggest challenges for this miniature Jeep model is replicating the capability and ruggedness associated with Jeep on a much smaller scale. If Jeep can figure out how to deal with this issue, then the new model could fill a growing automotive segment.
The baby Jeep won’t be making its way to the United States at all. Instead, it will be built with markets like Europe in mind, where small vehicles sell well, due in part to crowded urban environments.
FCA is set to present its global 2018-2022 plan sometime in June. By then, a decision regarding this possible baby Jeep model will likely have been made.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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