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Jeep® celebrates the start of production of the New Compass, the third generation of the global SUV that has become a cornerstone of the brand’s success in Europe and beyond with more than 2.5 million sales worldwide. Built on the cutting-edge STLA Medium platform, the new Compass combines best-in-class capability, iconic Jeep design, advanced technology, and true freedom of choice in powertrains - from efficient hybrids to fully electric options.
Designed & Engineered to excel everywhere — from city streets and highways to daily commutes and outdoor adventures — new Compass blends iconic Jeep design with lifestyle appeal, versatile interiors and efficient packaging. Customers can choose from a wide range of powertrains: the 145 hp e-hybrid, 195 hp e-hybrid plug-in, or fully electric versions delivering up to 375 hp, all-wheel drive, and a range of up to 403 miles. This wide range reflects a core Jeep belief: freedom of mobility for every journey.
Aerodynamic refinements including a drag coefficient of 0.29, maximising efficiency without compromising space or practicality. Advanced features such Selec-Terrain® systems, 360-degree safety protection, and intelligently positioned sensors enhance both safety and off-road performance, while maintaining the class-leading comfort that makes the new Compass a practical yet highly capable SUV. New Compass delivers the versatility and capability Jeep is known for. With more than 200mm of ground clearance, optimised approach and departure angles, and water fording up to 480 mm ensure confidence across all terrains.
Production of the new Compass takes place at the Stellantis Melfi plant, a facility with a rich Jeep heritage. Established in 2014 as Jeep’s first manufacturing site outside North America, initially producing the Renegade before adding the Compass - including the pioneering 4xe plug-in hybrid versions. To date, the plant has rolled out over 2.3 million Jeeps off its lines.
At Melfi, freedom is at the heart of production. The plant’s ultra-flexible assembly line can adapt in real time to market demand, adjusting the vehicle mix – including the ability to produce up to 100% battery electric vehicles if needed. This “freedom of production” ensures that the plant’s capacity evolves alongside customer choice.
The Stellantis Melfi complex spans 1.9 million square meters and employs more than 4,600 people, with an average tenure of over 20 years. Its fully integrated production - from stamping and painting to plastics, assembly, and battery manufacturing, makes it one of Europe’s most advanced and flexible automotive plants. Cutting edge automation works with human expertise to ensure the highest quality, while continuous sustainability innovations, including renewable energy generation and an eco-friendly painting processes, reinforce Melfi’s role as a key hub in Stellantis’ decarbonisation roadmap.
The Melfi plant also serves as a testing ground for advanced industrial technologies that will be rolled out across other Stellantis facilities. These include precision laser systems for 100% accurate bodywork alignment and high-resolution electronic cameras that continuously monitor door profiles during production. The plant is also adopting new environmentally friendly manufacturing methods, such as the innovative 4-Wet paint process, which eliminates an entire coating layer to reduce environmental impact.
Sustainability is central to Melfi’s operations. Energy-efficient heat pumps are already in use in paint booths, with plans to expand their use across the facility. Melfi is increasing its self-generation capacity through photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and a biomethane system that recycles local organic waste. Melfi aims to produce up to 54 MW of renewable energy, meeting 70% of the plant’s total energy needs by the end of 2030.
The new generation Compass is set to become as one of the most widely available models in JEEP’s global line-up. Units produced in Melfi will be marketed in 60 countries across Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. With production now underway, it marks a new chapter for Jeep in Europe: designed, engineered, and built in Italy, the New Compass sets new benchmarks in the C-SUV segment worldwide, offering customers unmatched versatility, capability, and innovation.
For further details on the new Jeep Compass contact Read Jeep in Derby on 01332 372555.
