Media reports have said that US auto giants - General Motors and Chrysler - are keen to enter into a joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, respectively. While GM wants to sell its Hummer brand, Chrysler wants the Tatas to sell its Jeep Wrangler in India and possibly other Asian markets. Tata Motors is keen on a partnership with Chrysler, but, Mahindra does not view GM's offer lucrative enough as it harbours ambition of launching its own small sports utility vehicle in the US market in 2009. Mahindra, as media reports suggest, has lined up more than 200 dealers to distribute the vehicle in the US.

For the Tatas it is however a different proposal altogether, as they are already partnering Chrysler in their endeavour to develop a battery powered version of its Ace mini-truck. If the deal gets the green signal, then Chrysler would be able to sell its Jeep to the Indian military. GM, on the other hand is desperate to sell the gas-guzzling Hummer to eith India, Russian or Chinese automakers. At a time when there are loud cries for fuel efficient cars, selling Hummer may not be a very smooth ride for GM.
Hummers were originally built by AM General Corporation, which was formerly AMC Jeep's General Products division. Hummers played an important role in Operation: desert Storm (The Gulf War August 2, 1990 ? February 28, 1991). Recently, Rick Wagoner, chief executive officer of GM said the brand is being reviewed, and has the possibility of either being sold, having the production line completely redesigned, or being discontinued. The Hummer models Hummer H1 (discontinued) Hummer H2 Hummer H2 SUT Hummer H3 Hummer H3T (Coming in summer 2009) Hummer H3x Hummer H3 Alpha Concept vehicle Hummer HX
But, unfortunately, Hummers are plagued by criticism on all quarters: Compared to other heavy passenger vehicles, Hummers have poor fuel economy. Crash data for Hummers is less complete than for other SUVs. Because of its weight, it takes longer and farther to stop in emergency braking situations. The H1 lacks standard safety features, including child safety locks, child seat tethers, side air bags and stability control. Large blind spots make parking difficult and dangerous too. Some Hummers are significantly bigger than other SUVs; this can cause problems parking, driving and fitting in a garage. Safety and ecological perceptions from road users has attracted a lot of criticism too.
Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler came to the market in 1987 and was a successor to the Word War II Jeep vehicles. Jeep Wrangler is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 202 horsepower and 237 lb.-feet of torque is available in three different trims: Wrangler Unlimited X, Wrangler Rubicon, and Wrangler Sahara, all of them with improved fuel economy. Jeep vehicles starting in 2007 are offering the highest safety and security levels in the 66 years of the vehicle's history, including electronic sensors that detect impending wheel lockup, anti-lock-braking system. Priced nearly $21,000 the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. Jeep Wrangler is a four-door convenience vehicle with a 46 cubic feet cargo space with enough room to accommodate five passengers with spacious 37 inches rear legroom.
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler was ranked 17 out of 27 'Affordable Compact SUVs'. The Wrangler is a rugged SUV designed to be most comfortable and capable off the pavement. Consequently, the Wrangler's weaknesses are in its on-road performance. Auto reviewers have complained about its confusing rear liftgate and optional three-piece Freedom Top. As far as its interior is concerned J D Power gave it 6.1 (mediocre). Reviewers find that though the 2008 Jeep Wrangler's interior has improved over the pre-2007 generation, they still are not at par with competition. On reliability, Wrangler scored 6.0.
Chrysler is also said to be in talks with Fiat on Jeep. And Fiat and Tata Motors already has a partnership. In July, Fiat agreed to handle the financing in Europe for Tata's Jaguar and Land Rover brands, while Tata said it was open to Fiat selling its ultra-cheap Nano. So it may not be long before Chrysler Jeeps start revving on Indian soil.