It is unclear whether Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. of Mumbai is attempting to purchase the Jeep brand or arrange a licensing arrangement to make the vehicle. Other possible options include either negotiating to make parts or forming a joint venture with the Auburn Hills, Mich., automaker.

Chrysler officials yesterday denied an Economic Times of India story published Sunday discussing the prospects.

"No," Chrysler spokesman David Barnas responded to whether Chrysler was discussing a sale of the Jeep brand.

"Jeep is not for sale," he said.

Attempts to reach a Mahindra spokesman yesterday were unsuccessful.

Industry analysts in the United States indicated that the Indian firm likely isn't trying to purchase the brand that was born in Toledo. The Toledo Jeep Assembly complex makes all of the Jeep Wranglers and Libertys sold worldwide.