New Delhi: Automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plans to roll out Jeep brand next year in India with plans to establish separate sales network in around five major cities in the first phase. "I think we are on a right track in India. We are bringing Jeep brand into India and we plan to make the country a global hub for the brand," said FCA APAC President and Managing Director Kevin Flynn.
The company has already announced to invest USD 280 million in the country in its manufacturing joint venture with Tata Motors to support production of Jeep model. Elaborating on the launch plan, Flynn said the Jeep brand would be showcased in the Auto Expo next year besides establishing dealerships in five major cities. Both Grand Cherokee and Wrangler brands would be launched together next year and would come as completely built units. "Local manufacturing of C-SUV (another product under the Jeep portfolio) will commence from our Ranjangaon plant in 2017. By that time we expect our network to be around 20-25 dealerships strong," Flynn said.
When asked about the plans to locally assemble both Grand Cherokee and Wrangler brands, Flynn said: "It is under evaluation. I would like see that happen." Ranjangaon (Maharashtra) will be the fourth plant outside the US for volume production of Jeep vehicles. At present Fiat has a capacity to produce 1.35 lakh cars per annum from the plant. The company, which has hit a rough patch in the country with slowing sales and negative publicity, is now working to change the perception.
"We have identified the blockages and we are now working to re-establish the brand in the country," Flynn said. The company will launch a new brand campaign later this month in order to make Fiat brand "resonate" with Indian customers, he added. Further the company is working on a future product strategy. "We are adding a bit of spark. We are working on the strategy to enter new segments..we are also working to break myths around the brand," Flynn said. He added that the company would start witnessing some improvement this year.
"2016 is going to be an important year. After that we are going to bring in next generation products into the Indian market," Flynn said.
