[Latheesh]

Originally Posted by aniketi

I guess Zest gets manufactured in Fiat only.

We have visited Tata Motors, Pimpri plant few months back to see how Zest is designed, fabricated, assembled, and tested. Not sure whether they moved assembly to Ranjangaon. We also got an opportunity to drive Zest on their test track, and push it to its limits.

It is not that Fiat facility is miles ahead comparing to Tata. I have seen few brand new Fiat cars (Linea/Punto) with parts quality and assembly issues.

[VeluM]

Originally Posted by ACM

This is the one aspect of their collaboration that was worked well for both.

That said the potential for Fiat sales in India for Jeep Brand products is questionable.

The Tata-Fiat collaboration has benefitted Tata more than Fiat. It also has to do with Fiat's limited portfolio of products. Jeep has a name in India, mostly associated with the old syle Mahindra vehicles including the Thar which is commonly known as "jeep". With Fiat positioning it as a premium brand, I think the brand (or word) recognition will hurt more than help.

Originally Posted by Latheesh

We have visited Tata Motors, Pimpri plant few months back to see how Zest is designed, fabricated, assembled, and tested. Not sure whether they moved assembly to Ranjangaon. We also got an opportunity to drive Zest on their test track, and push it to its limits.

It is not that Fiat facility is miles ahead comparing to Tata. I have seen few brand new Fiat cars (Linea/Punto) with parts quality and assembly issues.

And they're doing a good job of it too looking at the quality, fit, and finish of the Zest and Bolt.

[Seran Manian]

Thanks for the information Raven, I too saw same in Indian Autos Blog. Link below can be used to get more information on that.

http://indianautosblog.com/2015/06/t...or-suvs-181219

[RavenAvi]

The "Q502" SUV currently in development by Tata Motors, will be a future XUV500 rival and might come powered by a new 2.0L Multijet engine from Fiat, according to a MotorOctane exclusive.

The car will be a 7-seater and will have a completely new interior layout and styling. It will also be feature-loaded, complete with a Harman touchscreen infotainment system including 10 speakers.

The car will roll out of Ranjangaon's joint assembly line which Tata Motors shares with Fiat SPA sometime in 2017.

This new SUV will be based on the Raptor platform, which underpins the new Sumo too. The Raptor platform, which is based on Land Rover’s Integrated Body Frame, is already seen on the Discovery 4, one of the most capable off-roaders. Tata Motors will be using this Land Rover technology to make its vehicle better than competition.

Codenamed Q502, the new SUV will be a seven-seater in the segment where the XUV500 operates. The pricing of this new SUV will be between INR 15-18 lakhs (on-road) and will be feature-loaded.

The Q502 will be powered by a new 2.0-litre Multijet engine from Fiat, which is under consideration and not yet finalised. Even Fiat plans to use this engine to power Jeep’s all new C-segment SUV, which will be also be exported from the India to other markets. Alternately, Tata may also use the 2.2 VARiCOR engine with a six-speed transmission.

Motor Octane

[M35]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

The "Q502" SUV currently in development by Tata Motors, will be a future XUV500 rival ..

I remember reading this on IAB some time back.

Launched in 2010, the Tata Aria sold very few units, while its main rivals, the XUV500 and the Innova, are turning out to be bread and butter products.

Then this, dated March 9, 2012

Tata Motors’ next big launch for 2012 is the Safari Storme SUV that will rival the Mahindra XUV500

And this, dated June 5, 2015 :

Tata Confirms XUV-Rival Hexa Launch This Year

Now what ? Another rival, that too in 2017 ?

[aditya79india]

Originally Posted by M35

Now what ? Another rival, that too in 2017 ?

Yes, but this time on the Freelander 2 platform and Fiat engine using the same AWD tech as the Jeep Renegade.

That should beat the XUV, at least at the product level.

[RavenAvi]

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is mulling the possibility of strengthening it's ties with Tata Motors in India.

Besides joint manufacturing, FCA is seeking to share it's engines and transmissions with the domestic auto major as it prepares it's final plans to become a volume seller through it's Jeep SUVs in our country.

FCA is targeting aggressive local manufacturing for it's upcoming Compass (codenamed 556) and a "mini-Renegade" (codenamed 526) and for that to happen, it is exploring the options of sharing technical components in the Ranjangaon plant so as to bring the costs of production further down and price it's India-manufactured products more competitively.

According to several people in the know of the plans, Fiat and Tata have been discussing sharing of a 2-litre diesel engine, which will be used in the Jeep Compass or a C segment Jeep, internally codenamed 556, as well as in a Tata Motors premium SUV codenamed Q5, which is under development.

Speaking to Indian journalist on the sidelines of the LA Auto Show, Mike Manley, the global head of Jeep, said both companies regularly talks to each other on various opportunities, but declined to provide the specifics.

“From my point of view, I will be very open to discuss with Tata about opportunities, where collectively we could win and market could win. We can discuss on engines, transmission and some components of vehicle platforms for sure, those elements that will help build volumes and bring down price,” said Manley, who is also the chief operating officer for Asia Pacific at Fiat Chrysler.

An agreement on these lines is likely to be finalised shortly, people in the know of the plans said.

In India, the segment the company is targeting with the Compass — SUVs priced from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 24 lakh — is not yet developed and that can work to Jeep’s advantage, Manley said.

“The vehicles in India are going to be a real shot in the arm for the company. I think India can be big just on one vehicle. But I also think that there can be an opportunity for us to bring a smaller jeep into the market as well,” he said. “I am looking at a smaller jeep below the Renegade and it may be under four meter, but it is still at project phase.”

ET Auto

[Pam81]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is mulling the possibility of strengthening it's ties with Tata Motors in India.

TATA is known for armtwisting its suppliers and partners, why FCA is doing the same mistake for the second time? Good luck and GOD saves them!!!!

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

FCA is targeting aggressive local manufacturing for it's upcoming Compass (codenamed 556) and a "mini-Renegade" (codenamed 526) and for that to happen, it is exploring the options of sharing technical components in the Ranjangaon plant so as to bring the costs of production further down and price it's India-manufactured products more competitively.

It appears to be more of a constraint rather than exploring option. FCA got themselves into this knot of TML and no choices for making any other partnership for parts sharing in India at the moment. They could look at contract manufacturing with a third party like Magna or Force where they may exercise more control if they are serious about the market. With FCA's strategy for India is not solid, joining hands with TML will make it more worse IMHO!

[desdemona]

The manufacturing JV between FCA and Tata Motors at Ranjangaon is seperate from their respective sales and service etc companies which now and in the future (mainly JEEP) will operate independently. The JV plant is rather profitable, at least as per their respective accounting practices, as it is, so.