The Manchurian Candidate: Jeep capitalizes on Fiat’s Chinese Operations, Wants to Build SUVs locally

Now that Sergio Marchionne has consolidated Fiat-Chrysler management into a smaller, leaner unified team, its members are working full force to maximize the group’s capabilities.

Jeep CEO Mike Manley travelled to China last Wednesday to negotiate the local production of Jeep models with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd., which already has a joint venture with Fiat.

“Fiat has a very strong partner there, so we will be discussing various options,” said Manley who is also Fiat Group’s head of marketing in Asia. “If I can localize Jeep you are going to see many multiples of what we sell today.”

Right now Jeep’s Chinese range is comprised of the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Patriot and Compass. Last year, Jeep sold 11,646 units in the country, all imported.

“For us to grow in China, you have to produce. The import duties are pretty high when you bring vehicles in,” commented Manley. He added that the Compass, Patriot and Wrangler would be the first Jeep to produce locally, if he does finalize the deal with Guangzhou Automobile.

“Our vehicles really play in the premium segment in China. The market is just too big an opportunity not to take advantage of it on a local manufacturing basis.”

Manley estimates that if the deal goes through and gets approval by the authorities Jeep could begin local production in 18-24 months. Moreover, Manley said the company plans to add a fourth model in 2013 that will be based on a front-wheel drive Fiat platform and slot in below the Compass and Patriot in Jeep’s line-up.

Story source: Automotive News

PHOTO GALLERY

Chrysler Slows Down Production Due to a Lack of Carpets

Chrysler Carpeting

A lack of carpets after one of Chrysler’s suppliers on the East Coast was hit by the tropical storm Lee has forced the automaker to slow down production and cancel shifts this week at three of its plants.

The carpeting shortage has hampered production at the Sterling Heights Assembly in Michigan, Toledo North in Ohio and Brampton Assembly in Ontario.

The models that are affected by this problem are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Nitro, the Chrysler 200 and 300 and the Dodge Durango, Avenger and Challenger.

However, workers at the three plants will not get a chance to rest despite the cancelled shifts as they will be reporting to work as usual in order to receive further training.

Story source: Reuters

Brand New Chrysler Group Cars Driven at Warp Speed out of Transporter Train…

Chrysler

While we are no strangers to offbeat incidents involving new cars and transporters, we'll admit that we've never seen anything like this – that is, if the video you're about to watch is original and has not been altered in any way as understandably, we can't be 100 per cent sure.

The clip appears to have been shot by someone standing on the top level of a double decker transporter train and it shows five allegedly brand new vehicles (all Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs, if we're not mistaken) shooting out of the deck at warp speed.

The surroundings suggest the train is located at a parking lot terminal. Follow the break to watch the video for yourself and tell us what you think in the comments area below.

Video source: Youtube/Liveleak

Video:

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