Jeep Compass to hit production lines on June 1

Fiat India Automobiles is going to commence production of the Jeep Compass on June 1. The first ever ‘Made in India’ Compass will roll out of the company’s manufacturing facility in Pune in the presence of chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. 

It has been almost two years since the plans to manufacture the Jeep Compass in India were finalised. This step required an investment of over USD 280 million (Rs 1,808 crore) in order to improve the facility to world standards. With this investment, the facility located in Ranjangaon has now also become a manufacturing and export hub for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group. Apart from India, such facilities currently exist in Brazil, Mexico and China. However, India will be the only country among these to be supplying Compass to right-hand-drive markets, globally.

The Jeep Compass is the entry-level model in the company’s portfolio. It follows the family design philosophy, and looks like a downsized version of the Grand Cherokee. Creature comforts include a touch screen system, multi-function steering wheel and leather upholstery. As for the powertrain, it is offered with a 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel mill. The Compass also gets the option of an automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system. 

While high price tags of the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee have kept customers away, the local manufacturing of the Compass should help the company price it competitively. As such, the Compass will play an important role in generating volumes for the company.