 Jeep Introduces New Limited-edition Wrangler Unlimited Altitude |
On the heels of the popular Jeep® Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 and Arctic models – and in response to Wrangler enthusiasts' continued desire for limited-edition vehicles – Jeep is introducing its new, 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition. The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude is the latest Altitude model in the Jeep lineup, following the introduction of the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models last month.
Based on the 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara model, the Altitude edition offers Jeep enthusiasts a Wrangler with a unique appearance that includes a body-color hardtop combined with a variety of black-gloss exterior appointments, and a distinctive black-and-red interior theme.
"With sales up more than 30 percent year over year, Jeep Wrangler continues to show the special place it has in the hearts and minds of the American public," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "One of the many things Jeep enthusiasts love is the series of limited-volume, special-edition Wrangler models we produce. The new Wrangler Unlimited Altitude builds on the previous models and delivers consumers yet another fun and distinctive Jeep vehicle straight from the factory.
"With a production run of only 4,500 units, we expect the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude to sell out very quickly," Manley added.
Jeep Wrangler sales were up 43 percent in March 2012 versus March 2011, and are up 30 percent for the year (through March). The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition arrives in Jeep showrooms next month.
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 Concept Vehicle: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk |
The Jeep brand unveiled the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept vehicle at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari last month.
Limited mainly to cosmetic changes, engineers did manage to wrench on new wheels with 18" tires for a more agressive stance. From the press release:
Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s SilentArmor tires include additional side-wall protection that enhances durability and reduces road noise. Modified Mopar rock rails – engineered to fully protect the lower body from rugged rocky terrain – are included and add to the functional off-road capability.
Visually, while the vehicle is featured in Stone White, a Mineral Gray and Red theme is highlighted throughout. Specifically, the grille surround, lower front applique, mirror caps and rear light bar join the wheels in Mineral Gray, while contrasting in eye-catching Red are the upper grille mesh, front and rear tow hooks, Jeep logos on wheel center caps and bolt holes in the alloy wheels. A Red trim line outlines a matte black hood applique that is utilized to reduce glare during technical off-road maneuvers.
Other unique touches include black headlamp surrounds, black exterior front and rear badging, Red “Trail Rated” badges on the front fenders and a unique “Trailhawk” badge on the rear tailgate.
 Surprise - March Jeep Sales Up. Again. |
Who saw this coming? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
March, 2012 Jeep sales are up again - Chrysler sales overall are up 34% as well - as Sergio appears to making a lot of good decisions when it comes to sales and marketing.
Overall, Jeep sales were up 36% - the best March in 5 years - and all Jeep models posted year-over-year sales gains. From the press release:
March also was the brand’s 23rd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of all five Jeep brand models were up in March led by the 46 percent increase in Jeep Liberty sales. Jeep Grand Cherokee had its best March since 2006. Four of the five Jeep models recorded March sales gains in the double digits.
The Jeep brand announced in March that it will produce three new limited-edition Jeep vehicles: the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models. The new Jeep models, which boast blacked-out exteriors with distinct, aggressive flair, will arrive in Jeep showrooms in May.
 Jeep FC Concept is Big |
Wow. Just what do you say about this Jeep concept vehicle unveiled at the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari a few weeks ago? First of all - it's big. And different. And totally something not expected.
The official press release states that the Jeep Forward Control was built from 1956 to 1965 and offered a clever packaging solution. It kept overall length at a minimum for maneuverability but maintained a full-length cargo box for utility. For 2012, Jeep has created a modern version of this classic: the Jeep Mighty FC concept.
To create the Jeep Mighty FC concept, the design team started with a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon and repositioned the cabin over and ahead of the front axle, lengthened the wheelbase, and added a custom built drop-side cargo box. The cab utilizes a roof from the Mopar JK-8 conversion kit, as well as a custom-designed front clip. The Wrangler-based interior has been enhanced with bold, heavy-duty Katzkin leather and a unique color scheme. The cargo area is handled by a full-width, drop-side tray-style bed that measures more than eight feet in length.
The New York Times "Wheels" blog says:
The Jeep Mighty FC concept lacks the smooth countenance of Stevens’s design, instead wearing the grafted face of the Wrangler, the descendant of the original Jeeps, over two prominent search lights. It rides atop a lengthened platform donated by a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon. The eight-foot bed is built with side-access doors, and the roof is sourced from the Mopar catalog, the JK-8 conversion kit. Interior appointments include generous, if not particularly utilitarian, swaths of leather.
The vehicle appears remarkably high, with huge ground clearance for its portal axles, also sourced from Mopar. The axles alone cost from $11,000 to $12,500 each, a point of consideration for home hobbyists. Many parts of the vehicle were sourced from specialist suppliers like Hanson, Warn and Teraflex. Off-road aficionados may enjoy simply reading aloud the laundry list of aftermarket suppliers whose wares are worn by the big Jeep.
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Video: Jenny in the Jeep Wrangler |
Chrysler recently debuted a new Wrangler ad, a follow-up to the Clint Eastwood "Halftime in America" ad. Via The Toledo Blade:
In a blog post on Chrysler's Web site, Olivier Francois, the automaker's chief marketing officer, wrote that the ads were intended to be "stories of hope and encouragement."
It's a very different type of ad for the Jeep brand - what do you think?
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Jeep Pickup Alternative? |
Creativity never ceases to exist, for those who need a Jeep pickup but can't afford the Mopar cost, there's an American made alternative: the Crewbed...
Check it out at Detroit News.
Yikes.
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February Jeep Sales Set Record(s)! |
From a Chrysler press release
Jeep brand sales increased 30 percent in February compared with the same month in 2011, the brand’s best February since 2007. February marked the brand’s 22nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
All five Jeep brand models recorded double-digit sales gains in February, led by the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 47 percent increase. It was the Grand Cherokee’s best February sales in six years. The Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango shared MotorWeek’s “Drivers’ Choice Award” for Best Large Utility in February while the Jeep Wrangler earned Kelley Blue Book’s “Total Cost of Ownership Award” for Mid-size Sport Utility. The Wrangler registered its 22nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains in February.
Details:
- Jeep brand sales (37,312 units) increased 30 percent versus February 2011 (28,619 units)
- Jeep Wrangler sales (9,319 units) improved 22 percent compared with the same month last year (7,636 units)
- Jeep Liberty sales (7,369 units) increased 25 percent versus February sales a year ago (5,896 units)
- Sales of the Jeep Compass (2,780 units) were up 23 percent compared with the same month in 2011 (2,267 units)
- Sales of the Jeep Patriot (5,120 units) improved 23 percent versus February 2011 (4,153 units)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (12,724 units) were up 47 percent compared with the same month a year ago (8,667 units)
 Jeep Brands Breaks Two-Million Facebook Fans |
From a Chrysler press release.
The Jeep® brand is celebrating a major milestone today as its Facebook page has reached over 2 million fans. The brand is the first domestic automotive brand to hit the 2 million mark on Facebook, outpacing the next closest domestic brand by approximately 700,000 fans.
"On behalf of the entire Jeep brand team, I would like to extend a personal thank you to our consumers – and literally millions of fans – for their continued loyalty and support," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are proud of our 70-year history and all that the Jeep brand has accomplished along the way. Jeep vehicle owners are unlike any others; from those who embrace the 'Jeep wave' to those who look forward to helping a fellow off-roader along the trail, there is a sense of community and passion among Jeep owners that makes our brand unique."
The Jeep brand Facebook can be viewed at www.Facebook.com\Jeep.
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Long-term Road Test of Factory Wrangler Lift Kit |
Thanks to Lynn for submitting this story!
Edmunds Inside Line has a nice writeup (and some great photos) of the initial portion of a long-term test drive of the Mopar Pre-Runner Suspension on a 2012 Wrangler.
The change is transformative on Saddleback's fire roads, where it soaks up washboard and big water bars with equal ease. I can bomb around without feeling like a random bump or hole will send the Jeep skittering sideways.
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Awards Keep Piling Up for Jeep |
(from a Chrysler press release)
Jeep® Wrangler and Grand Cherokee – the pillars of the Jeep brand – continue to earn accolades from opinion-leading media outlets. The vehicles recently captured four more awards:
- Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Total Cost of Ownership – Mid-size Sport Utility award: 2012 Jeep Wrangler
- Kiplinger's Personal Finance Best Resale – Truck-based SUVs: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport
- MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award – Best Large Utility: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (shared with Dodge Durango)
- Kiplinger's Personal Finance Worth a Look – Mid-size and Large Crossovers: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
"We're delighted that the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have received this recognition from these influential, opinion-leading media organizations," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "These awards are especially meaningful because they focus on the customer. The MotorWeek award is specifically chosen from the buyers' point of view, while the awards from Kelley Blue Book and Kiplinger's focus on value for the customer – which Jeep vehicles consistently deliver."
These four new awards for Jeep vehicles are in addition to the following recognition received by the Jeep brand and its vehicles so far in 2012:
- Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – Most Improved Loyalty to Make: Jeep Brand
- Autobytel 2012 SUV of the Year: Jeep® Wrangler
- Overland Journal 2011 SUV of the Year – North America: Jeep Wrangler
- U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars for the Money – Off-Road SUV: Jeep Wrangler
- Cars.com's Play Car of the Year (Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers categories): Jeep Wrangler
- The Fast Lane Car's (TFLCar.com) Top-10 2012 Most Fun to Drive Cars: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
- 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, Convertible Under $40,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
- 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
- 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Consumer Guide Recommended Buy: Jeep Grand Cherokee
