Jeep Sub-Compact Crossover Coming in 2014
Jeep plans to sell a sub-compact crossover in 2014 that will be about the same size as a Ford Fiesta.
“The weight of that market today is outside North America, predominately Europe,” Manley told Edmunds. “It is growing in China. I think when we launch our SUV here, you are going to see quite significant growth in that segment in the U.S.”
Ford recently outlined its plan for its Fiesta-based EcoSport sub-compact crossover, which is built in Brazil. It will be at the center of a massive global push by the brand that, for now, ignores North America. After its Announcement, Ford said it is considering offering the EcoSport in North America.
SEE ALSO: Ford Looks to Small Utility Vehicles for Global Growth
General Motors already sells a sub-compact crossover: the Buick Encore. Sales started this year, and GM also sells the more spartan Chevrolet version in Canada called the Trax.
SEE ALSO: Fiat To Build Jeep Subcompact In Italy, Patriot And Compass Replacement In U.S.
In Jeep’s case, the car will be built on a front-drive Fiat platform other than the architecture used for both the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee. This will be the second Fiat-underpinned vehicle for the Jeep brand.
Expect the unnamed crossover to be much smaller than the Cherokee as well. Manley told Edmunds that it measures 165 inches long compared to the Cherokee, which is 181 inches long.
He didn’t reveal which engine the small utility vehicle will use, but said diesel options for Europe will not carry over to the U.S.
[Source: Edmunds]
Discuss this story at JeepForum.com
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
More by Luke Vandezande
Comments
Join the conversation
Just Eats Every Part
I'd like to one of those show up for the next Jeep Jamboree. Sounds like a total joke for the Jeep brand.