Jeep’s in Serious Trouble
For those who believe the Jeep twins Patriot and Compass were as lowly as a vehicle wearing the seven-slot grille could get, get ready for this:
The blokes over at Autocarsay Fiat is preparing to use the same platform used on the Alfa RomeoMilano (concept version pictured above) in an upcoming Jeep model. Doesthat sound to you a little like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit modelcrashing the party at a redneck wedding? Yeah, me, too.
Autocar says the platform is flexible enough to be used in twolengths and take a four-wheel-drive system, which can be adapted foruse in a low-end Jeep. Just what the world needs, huh, another low-endJeep!
Fiat Panda
What I’m having a hard time understanding is how (and why) anup-market Alfa Romeo platform would be used on a low-end Jeep. I thinkJeep fans in this country have a lot to be worried about, as Fiat couldwater down the brand even more than Chrysler did. Want further proof?There may also be plans to bring the Fiat Panda to the States as a Jeep.
Now, the Panda is a perfectly fine urban commuter car, and evenoutfitted with four-wheel drive, it gets great fuel mileage. But it’snot a Jeep. In fact, a Panda would make the Patriot look like theall-time king of off-roading.
Don’t get me wrong here – I’m all for Fiat trying to save Chryslerby delivering European automobiles with the Pentastar’s badge on them.Jeep doesn’t fit into the equation, though. I’d much rather see Jeepspecialize in what it does best, off-road adventure, than become abrand that keeps trying to be everything to everyone.
I think Fiat could ruin the Jeep brand by releasing more low-end,small models. Sales might increase, but the brand willbecome indistinguishable from any others.
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