GAC Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (GAC FCA) has started production of Jeep Renegade sport utility vehicle (SUV) at its Guangzhou plant in China.
The presales of the locally produced Jeep Renegade will start at the Beijing Motor Show later this month.
Jeep Renegade is the company's second locally manufactured vehicle and follows the launch of Jeep Cherokee SUV in October last year.
For 2016, the Jeep Renegade's offerings have expanded with the addition of various features, including the availability of BeatsAudio.
The Renegade's optional Beats premium audio system features nine speakers with a 6.5-inch subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier for studio-quality sound.
The Guangzhou plant, which has the capacity to manufacture 160,000 vehicles per year, is a joint venture between Fiat Chrysler and China's Guangzhou Automobile Group.
The plant features an advanced process layout, production equipment and an environmental management model.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne said: "Today is an important step in our strategy to expand the Jeep brand's global presence and, equally important, it represents a further strengthening of the joint enterprise with our respected and valuable partner here in China, the GAC Group."
The Jeep vehicle lineup features the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.
China is a key part of Jeep's global expansion through 2018. Fiat Chrysler intends to manufacture 1.9 million Jeeps by 2018 at 10 plants in six countries.
More than 1.2 million Jeep SUVs were sold globally in 2015, an increase of 22% compared with 2014.
Image: The Jeep Renegade SUV will be produced at the Guangzhou plant in China. Photo: Courtesy of FCA US LLC. .
