Jeep finalising EV strategy for India, looks to increase localisation: PTI

Electric vehicles are a focal point for SUV maker Jeep in India and it is evaluating different options, before finalising its plans for the domestic market. Jeep India, a part of the automobile group Stellantis, has said that the company is aiming for more than 90% localisation in its compact SUV Jeep Compass, over the next three years, PTI noted. 

The company has a 50:50 JV manufacturing facility with Tata Motors at Ranjangaon in Pune district. 

"Options for electrification (of vehicles) is something we are studying right now because the customer is at the centre, and his customer's needs have to be satisfied. 

Globally, we have a vast expansion of the EV portfolio. So, we are evaluating different options for India," said Aditya Jairaj, Head of Jeep India Operations and Deputy Managing Director at Stellantis told PTI on the sidelines of the roll out of the new Jeep Compass nine speed AT Diesel in a 4x2 configuration. 

The vehicle has been exclusively developed and launched in India. Emphasising that electrification with Jeep in India is a focal point, which will eventually happen, he said at this point the company is still finalising the EV strategy. 

For the next-generation products, the company is looking at 90% higher localisation from the current level of 70%, adding that it is an important focus for the company. 

"It is not just localising for India, but it is India for India and India for the world," he stated. 

He said exports will be one of the important components of the company's long-term strategy, as it not only gives the scale but also provides a competitive edge as well, in terms of cost. 

Jeep India currently has four products in its portfolio- Compass, Meridian, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. Of these four, it exports Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian, to markets such as Japan and Australia, among others. Currently, these are being exported and developed markets like Japan, Australia and New Zealand.  

These vehicles will also be exported to non-right hand drive markets as well, and that opens a lot of opportunities for the company, he added.