'A True Jeep'

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Jeep is preparing a new subcompact SUV crossover for the middle of calendar year 2013. It will be built in Europe on a Fiat platform, but Jeep promises it will have significant off-road capability. Jeep CEO Mike Manley told Motor Trend, 'It will be a true Jeep. It has to be, for us. There will be an all-wheel-drive version, and a Trail Rated version.'
Manley says the vehicle (a mule of which is shown here disguised under a Fiat Qubo skin) will be sold in the U.S., because "There is a small-car sector opening up in America." We mention the Nissan Juke and Mini Countryman as rivals, and he agrees. As a more genuine off-roader, though, the Jeep would have little real competition.

We ask if there are any design clues in the company's various baby Jeep concept cars, such as the Jeep Treo and Varsity from auto shows past. He says no. "It will be unmistakably a Jeep," is as far as he'll go when talking about the design. He has no plan to show a concept version in advance, although a lot of work will need to be done to prepare dealers for this new segment.
But Manley, who is also head of Chrysler Group's international operations, says the main selling markets for this micro-Jeep would be abroad, such as Europe. "In the past in our international operations, we basically took American vehicles and go looking for people who wanted to buy them. Now we have international input in packaging, interiors, powertrain, everything."