Chrysler IPO Mentions 'First Ever' Small SUV for Brand
Hidden in the depths of Chrysler’s exhilarating IPO filing, the brand mentions a “first ever” small SUV.
There isn’t any mention of what that vehicle is called or what brand it will be built under, but the document reveals that it will be based on Fiat’s small wide platform, which currently underpins the 500L. It is most likely the sub-compact SUV that Jeep is expected to build in Italy and market globally in 2014, including sale in the U.S.
SEE ALSO: Chrysler Files IPO
That mini-ute will be similar in size to the Ford Fiesta. Sub-compact SUVs are proving to be strong sellers in the global market. Ford said in August that it plans to sell its Fiesta-based EcoSport crossover in 62 countries by 2017, although U.S. buyers will be left out.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Production Temporarily Halted
When the new Jeep product arrives, it will be the second product under that brand to share underpinnings with a Fiat product. The first is Jeep’s new Cherokee, which uses a new nine-speed automatic transmission and should arrive soon.
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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>.
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Actually it would be the third since the Dart is based on the Alpha Giulietta