The American SUV maker Jeep, which falls under the Chrysler Group is preparing to introduce new products in its lineup. The manufacturer is currently planning to attack the upmarket Audi Q7 segment with the addition of a new 7-seater SUV being under the works. Jeep’s current product portfolio falls short of a 7-seater 4×4 SUV to take on the Audi Q7, Mercedes GL-Class, Land Rover Discovery 4 and similar full sized SUVs. The new SUV in talks could be named as ‘Grand Wagoneer’, the nameplate which was used in 1990s for an iconic SUV with unique exterior styling.
The idea behind using the Grand Wagoneer iconic name comes under the new strategy of the Jeep brand, which aims to grow the company’s presence in the market with an ‘uber SUV’. The Jeep Commander was the last 7-seater SUV from the American automaker’s stable, which was discontinued three years back. Jeep is expected to share technology with its sister brand, Dodge for the upcoming SUV. Dodge currently makes the Durango, which is a three-row SUV, built on an extended Grand Cherokee platform at the company’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
So the upcoming upmarket SUV from Jeep is expected to be built on the similar platform, which would measure around 5-metres long. According to Jeep’s UK brand director, Nigel Land, the large size might hamper the new offering to go on sale in the UK. The new 7-seater SUV is yet to be officially confirmed and is not expected to be launched until 2016. Another new offering under development is a compact B-segment SUV. The entry-level SUV is most likely to be introduced in late 2014 and will make its way to India as well.
Source – Autocar UK
