Jeep, which currently sells the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and the Compass SUV in India, has been noting reduced sales. The decline has been huge, particularly since the Tata Harrier and MG Hector have been entered the segment. Sales of the Compass have dipped immensely and stood at just 500 units in July 2019.
The reasons for Tata Harrier and MG Hector scoring over Jeep Compass could be that the rivals not only command larger size and more impressive road presence, but also due to the fact that the Hector and Harrier are priced in the sub Rs.13 lakh segment while the Jeep Compass is priced from Rs.15 lakhs.
My Car Helpline now reveals that Jeep India dealers are now offering huge discounts in keen to clear out piling stocks of the Compass from showrooms. These dealerships are offering discounts on the MY 2019 Compass with a cash discount of Rs.50,000 while the cash discount on the MY 2018 Jeep Compass extends to between Rs.1.25 lakhs to Rs.1.50 lakhs. Buyers are also benefited with car insurance premium upto Rs.50,000 on the Jeep Compass.
The table above shows sales performance of Jeep Compass in India, ever since it was launched back in 2017. In the initial months, the demand for Jeep Compass was really strong, averaging over 2,000 units a month. But post the 1st year period, sales have continuously declined. There has not been a single month where Jeep Compass sales have registered growth. Sales decline is about 50% on average.
Speaking about Jeep Compass, it is powered by a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder Multijet turbo engine which also powers the Harrier and the Hector. This engine offers 172 bhp power and 350 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The petrol engine is a 1.4 liter, 4 cylinder MultiAir turbo engine offering 161 hp power and 250 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox.
The company recently introduced the Trailhawk in India. It came in with a diesel-auto powertrain, making it the first variant in the Compass lineup to receive this option. However, buyers await lower variants of the Compass to be offered with this diesel auto powertrain option as pricing is at a Rs 3.7 lakh premium over the Compass Limited Plus.
Jeep also gears up for the launch of a 7 seater flagship SUV which will be launched sometime in 2020-21. It will be based on the Compass and will be produced from the company plant in Pune.
