Jeep Launches Key CUV in Brazil

Jeep launches production of its Patriot/Compass replacement at its Goiana assembly plant in Pernambuco, Brazil, ushering in a global compact CUV with the weight of parent company FCA on its shoulders.

The all-new vehicle carrying the Compass moniker goes on sale first in South America, with production following this year in China and for the U.S. during the first quarter of 2017. The U.S. model will be built at FCA’s plant in Toluca, Mexico.

Compass mimics popular Grand Cherokee styling.

FCA says the Compass will be produced with 17 fuel-efficient powertrains and will be sold in more than 100 countries.

The Compass promises a “combination of attributes that includes legendary and best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom and a host of safety and advanced technology offerings,” FCA says in a statement released on the occasion of the start of production in Brazil.

Compass interior features FCA UConnect infotainment system.

The new small Jeep is the third model for the $1.8 billion Goiana assembly plant. The plant started production in 2015 with the Renegade on FCA’s Small-Wide architecture and added the Fiat Toro pickup in January. It has a capacity of 250,000 vehicles per year.

FCA says the Compass will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November.

The all-new Compass is crucial for FCA in the hot North American small CUV segment where the Italian-American automaker’s current entries are the soon-to-be-discontinued Compass and Patriot pair. Even though the two models are at the end of their life cycles, FCA sold 150,147 of the two through August, up 24% from the same period in 2015, WardsAuto data shows.

Production of the Patriot, Compass and the Dodge Dart at the Belvidere, IL, plant cease at end of 2016. The plant is expected to begin building the Jeep Cherokee in early 2017.

[email protected] @bobgritzinger