Chrysler Jeep Compass goes on sale in China, priced at US$33,200 and up

Shanghai. September 20 (Gasgoo.com) - Chrysler has just launched Jeep Compass in the Chinese market in imported unit, which is seen as a potential competitor to locally-built Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in Chinese market, Shanghai Securities Journal reported today.

The report says Chrysler is also planning to locally produce Jeep Compass probably at its Beijing Jeep joint venture. Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the car-based SUV is to be sold between 249,000 yuan to 289,000 yuan (US$33,200 - $38,500).

The product opens up the compact SUV market in China and is a milestone of Jeep brand in the country, said Simon Elliott, president and CEO of Chrysler Group (China) Sales Ltd.

"The US automaker already has three SUV models launched in China. Apart from Compass, Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander have also just come to this market in April," Simon said. "In the future, we may bring in the other four Chrysler SUVs here in China."

The automaker will also expand its sales network to keep up with the continuous launch of new products. The sales network of Chrysler Jeep brands will have 116 dealers by the end of this year, and about 150 to 180 Jeep brand dealers will be established by 2009, Simon said.