Photo: Fiat
Fiat Group has slammed the brakes on the new compact SUV model to be launched under the Jeep brand that was suppose to tap the emerging B-segment. The baby Jeep was originally destined to hit the production lines in 2013 at Fiat’s Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, but the project will be delayed until the second quarter of 2014.
So even though Chrysler Group is boosting Fiat’s profits hugely, priorities are placed elsewhere. But why? Well, according to Automotive News, the reason is that the Italian automaker wants to hurry the development of a new Sedici SUV, replacing the current version that’s just a rebadged Suzuki SX4. Certainly, Fiat needs something like a proper crossover to stop its falling sales figures in Europe. As for the B-SUV, this would take some time to market globally and in the US, since the idea of such a small soft-roader is relatively new.
Fiat expects its sales in Europe and Italy to decline to new lows, and strong measures are needed to quench shareholders’ lust for action.
Fiat expects its sales in Europe and Italy to decline to new lows, and strong measures are needed to quench shareholders’ lust for action.
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