Straightline - Jeep to Mahindra?

Jeep to Mahindra?

Chrysler LLC and Mahindra & Mahindra are reportedly in discussions about some sort of Jeep tie-up. It could be about marketing Mahindra Jeeps here—or in possibly taking over the Jeep brand from Chrysler.

It's no secret that time is running out for the Cerberus-run Chrysler to start showing progress (as in making some money). If that's not going to happen, Plan B is to sell off the various divisions, and Jeep could well be the starting point.

It could be argued that the ownership of an SUV brand, such as Jeep, might be better off with a company located in a region of the world in which 4WD vehicles are truly used as they were intended. Still, I would hate to lose an American icon like Jeep to any overseas owner.

Here's Inside Line's take: Mahindra Jeep: Another American-Indian Deal in the Works?

Posted by Bob Feb 13, 2008 7:31 am

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Categories: Chrysler | Jeep | Auto Industry

Comments

estreka - Feb 13, 2008 7:51 am (#1 Total: 8)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

I'd be shocked if Mahindra was the highest bidder for Jeep. I can't think of a single company that wouldn't benefit from buying Jeep.

orangutan - Feb 13, 2008 9:12 am (#2 Total: 8)

At least Mahindra would give Jeep modern powertrains.

iskch - Feb 13, 2008 10:47 am (#3 Total: 8)

I had a feeling Cerberus Group was ready to unload something. Jeep will be a match for Mahindra.

desmolicious - Feb 13, 2008 1:33 pm (#4 Total: 8)

I would love to see a diesel motor in the Wrangler. Maybe Mahindra would do that for the US market.

ateixeira - Feb 13, 2008 2:23 pm (#5 Total: 8)

Recife, PE, Brazil

Jeep is probably also the sale that would bring Cerberus the most cash.

sddoc07 - Feb 13, 2008 4:58 pm (#6 Total: 8)

San Diego, CA

This must be what it feels like to be a British car fan, slowly seeing a proud marque like Jaguar die from neglect and poor management. Let's face it, Chrysler and Dodge are essentially dead from an excitement standpoint, the only people who are excited about their cars are bloggers and aging baby bommers who are excited about one-hit wonders like the PT cruiser and the Challenger. They no longer have ANY volume leaders. Jeep is their one crown jewel and even it has been held back by pathetically inferior engines, terrible interiors, and utter lack of progress arguably since the 1970s. RIP Chrysler, but don't even suggest you don't deserve this.

firstwagon - Feb 13, 2008 8:02 pm (#7 Total: 8)

"At least Mahindra would give Jeep modern powertrains."

They have something better then the Hemi?

"They no longer have ANY volume leaders"

Caravan has been the top selling minivan since 1983.

"Let's face it, Chrysler and Dodge are essentially dead from an excitement standpoint"

What about the 300C and Charger?

I agree Jeep is the crown jewel and they would be morons to sell it but if you dismiss Chrysler as all but dead then you have to do the same for Ford and admit GM is hanging by a thread.

The only real question is... can (or will) Cerberus fix wants wrong or will they choose to kill off what's right for a quick buck?

tinyhawk44 - Mar 4, 2008 9:06 pm (#8 Total: 8)

http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/02/indias-mahindra.html