Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler India Launch Confirmed for Next Year

Italian automobile giant Fiat has been planning to launch its iconic jeep in India for a while now. And, the emerging reports suggest that though the launch of Jeep SUV in India has been delayed, the company has not dismissed its plans for the sub-continent auto market.

Now, the latest buzz on the Internet indicates that the brand, Jeep, will finally set foot in the Indian market next year.

An Economic Times report, citing Kevin Flynn -- president and managing director of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, reveals that Jeep will make its debut at Auto Expo 2016 and concurrently, the brand will also open five exclusive dealerships. The report adds that the brand is currently evaluating the markets for its offering in India.

"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," FCA APAC President and Managing Director Kevin Flynn told PTI.

The company, which had a failed alliance with Mahindra in the country in its previous attempt to enter the Indian market, is naturally watchful this time around, while getting ready for its re-entry into the market. Both Grand Cherokee and Wrangler will be brought to India as completely built units (CBU).

Earlier, the company had planned to launch its Jeep in India by the end of 2013 and it was delayed by several months. Meanwhile, in what appears to be a good sign, a prototype of Jeep has been spied undergoing testing in the country recently. Caught on camera by the folks at MotorBeam, Jeep was seen in its completely undisguised form.