The new Jeep Compass is being redesigned as a soft-road model aiming at increasing Jeep sales in Europe.
The sales objective is about 125,000 units a year, starting from 2014 when the new Compass will go on sale.
The model will use the same Fiat compact platform which will appear on the Alfa Giulia.
The Jeep Compass will have a long wheelbase and wide track platform, with four-wheel drive capability – modifications of the front-drive Giulietta platform.
The new Alfa SUV will use the same base and both the Jeep and Italian model should compete in the premium SUV segment of the European car market against models like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander.
The next generation Jeep Compass will replace both the current model and the Patriot.
It will be revealed in 2013 for a market launch the following year and will have a two-litre diesel engine in the line-up meaning Jeep should be able to compete in Europe.
The 125,000 sales figure is up from 15,000 Jeep models sold in Europe last year.
That is well above even Land Rover sales of 75,000 but Jeep says it “is a global brand with a new product range and an expanding dealer network”.
Other models contributing to the ambitious plan include a facelifted Wrangler, new Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and the Grand Wagoneer.
The models will be jointly sold through Lancia outlets.
Source