Top-end Limited variant is most in demand; Compass gives FCA India a 2.07% UV market share.
03 Apr 2018 | 10898 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
The Jeep Compass SUV is giving a new charge to FCA in the Indian market. Since its launch on July 31, 2017 till end-March 2018, the stylish SUV has sold over 19,000 units. Till end-February 2018, the specific sales number was 17,186 units – 13,867 diesel and 3,319 petrol variants. ...
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The Jeep Compass SUV is giving a new charge to FCA in the Indian market. Since its launch on July 31, 2017 till end-March 2018, the stylish SUV has sold over 19,000 units. Till end-February 2018, the specific sales number was 17,186 units – 13,867 diesel and 3,319 petrol variants. Recently, the manufacturer achieved a production milestone of 25,000 units of the Compass, out of which 5,000 were for the export markets.
The company hasn’t shared any information about the variants in demand but, according to dealers, it’s the top-end Limited variant that’s been attracting most buyers. In terms of colour preference, consumers are putting their money down on the Jeep Compass clad in white and silver.
FCA is bullish on its Indian manufacturing operations and has committed $280 million (Rs 1,769 crore) towards the localisation of the Jeep Compass.
After garnering an impressive response for the Compass, Jeep has streamlined the production of the model and has managed to reduce the waiting period to 45 days from four months. With localisation level at 65 percent, the carmaker has managed to give the Compass a competitive price that allows it to stand tall against rivals from Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai Motor India.
The Jeep Compass has helped FCA India get traction in the booming UV market. Between August and February 2018, the SUV, whose pricing starts at an aggressive Rs 14.95 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), for the base Sport petrol trim and comes in a total of six variant options – three each in diesel and petrol – and the top-end diesel Limited 4x4 variant at Rs 20.65 lakh, with sales of 17,186 units has given the Italian manufacturer a 2.07 percent market share in the UV segment (till end-February).
Celebrating International Jeep 4x4 Day
The company today announced the ‘Jeep 4x4 Month’ customer celebration initiative (April 4-30) in India as part of the International Jeep 4x4 Day, which FCA celebrates with its customers globally on the fourth day of April, which is the fourth month of the year (4x4).
FCA has launched the Jeep 4x4 Month in India, a month-long campaign where customers are encouraged to upgrade from a 4x2 model to a 4x4 one. Starting from April 4 and ending on April 30, the celebration is a part of International Jeep 4x4 Day, which is celebrated on April 4 (4/4).
During the duration of the programme, customers who have either booked or are considering buying a lower-spec 4x2 Compass (available in Sport, Longitude, Longitude Option and Limited variants) can get the higher Limited 4x4 trim.
While the upgrade (for Rs 50,000) is available on all lower-spec trims regardless of the powertrain, there is a caveat. For example, if a customer has booked a Longitude 4x2 2.0D (priced at Rs 17.52 lakh), they will have to pay the Rs 1.69 lakh difference between the trim and the Limited 4x2 (costing Rs 19.21 lakh), after which the Rs 50,000 offer can be availed to upgrade further to the Limited 4x4 trim (costing Rs 21.18 lakh). Thanks to the offer, customers can save up to Rs 1.47 lakh, which is the price difference between the Limited 4x2 and Limited 4x4.
This offer is available on the 173hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine and the 163hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor. The former is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission and gets 4WD as an option while the latter gets a six-speed manual on lower trims and a seven-speed dual-clutch unit on higher ones, though is limited to 2WD only.
Commenting on the initiative Kevin Flynn, president and managing director, FCA India said, “The Jeep 4x4 Month is a special and unique opportunity for customers to book their Jeep Compass and enjoy the legendary capability, freedom and adventure which remains core to our brand. We have sold close to 20,000 Jeep Compass SUVs since market launch.”
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