The GAC Fiat Chrysler Automobiles joint venture has started production of the Jeep Cherokee at the Changsha plant in China.
At launch, the Jeep Cherokee is available with a 2.4-liter engine in China, but later on a 2.0-liter model will also be offered. Prices range between RMB200,000 and RMB300,000 ($31,465 – $47,190). The locally made Jeep Cherokee is expected to reach full production in November, with deliveries scheduled to start before the end of the year.
“The Jeep brand was the first western automaker to produce vehicles in China more than 30 years ago. Today, with the support of our GAC partners, our brand is back to its rightful place in this market. The Jeep Cherokee is our best-selling vehicle worldwide and now is being produced in China for China, to the world quality standards that Chinese consumers demand,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Ram Brand, FCA – Global and COO of the APAC region.
By the end of 2016, GAC FCA wants to expand the Jeep brand’s portfolio in China to three new models including the locally produced Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade. The third model is likely the successor to the Patriot and Compass.
The GAC FCA Changsha plant is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing plants for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles globally. Total investment for the 750,000 square meter facility is approximately RMB 5 billion ($786 million).
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