Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Jeep brand will introduce plug-in hybrid versions of three models sold in China to comply with local rules requiring automakers to expand output of electrified vehicles, according to a Chinese media report.
The automaker will market plug-in hybrid variants of the Renegade, Compass and Wrangler in the near future, Beijing-based car website Cheshi reported, citing information obtained from FCA Group’s joint venture with GAC Motor Co.
While the plug-in hybrid Renegade and Compass will be built at the joint venture, alongside gasoline-powered models, the plug-in Wrangler will be imported from the U.S., the website said.
The move will increase the number of Jeep’s plug-in hybrid offerings to four in China following the locally produced plug-in variant of the Grand Commander, which went on sale in November.
In addition to the gasoline and plug-in hybrid Grand Commander, Jeep assembles the gasoline models of the Renegade, Compass and Cherokee at GAC-FCA.
Last week, FCA confirmed it is in talks with Taiwanese iPhone assembler Foxconn on establishing a joint venture to build battery electric vehicles and develop internet-connected vehicles in China.
FCA needs a more diversified product mix to help it not only ease regulatory pressure, but also to revive local sales.
Deliveries of GAC-FCA, which now only builds Jeep models, contracted for the second straight year in 2019, tumbling 41 percent to 73,907, according to data GAC released last week.