 Jeep Sales Showing Signs of Life |
Chrysler announced yesterday that Jeep sales in January, 2010 showed some signs of life as the Compass, Commander, and Grand Cherokee all showed year-over-year increases (too bad two of those vehicles are not long for this life).
They also announced some continuing incentives where consumers who purchase a Jeep brand vehicle can choose 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or consumer cash of up $4,000. Consumers who purchase or lease a new 2010 model year Jeep Liberty, Grand Cherokee or Commander and finance the purchase through GMAC Financial Services are eligible for $1,000 GMAC Bonus Cash.
Overall, Jeep sales were down 7% both month-to-month and year-over-year. Full sales figures after the jump.
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 Chrysler Launches All-New Jeep Merchandising Site |
Chrysler recently launched all-new merchandising sites for their various product lines, including Jeep Gear. In their announcement of the online stores, Chrysler says:
For Jeep, the “I Live. I Ride. I Am. Jeep”, tagline now also applies to “I wear.” A sampling of what you can find at Jeep Gear includes trail headlamps, UV-filtering sunglasses, a Swiss Army rescue tool and tons of other must-haves for off-roaders. Performance fleece and water-resistant jackets and vests are there for the adventurers. And for their traveling pets, the site features collapsible bowls, matching leashes/collars and other accessories. Completing the site are a collection of military-inspired t-shirts, as well as a collection of go-anywhere t-shirts from American Apparel.
If you're into Jeep-branded wine stoppers or USB Flash Drives, then you should definitely check it out.
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Video: Mike Manly Talks Jeep at NAIAS |
Mike Manley, President and CEO, Jeep® Brand chats with the video team about the Special Edition models at NAIAS including the Jeep Wrangler Islander and Mountain, as well as the Liberty Renegade.
 Four Wheeler Magazine Names Wrangler Rubicon Best 4x4 Vehicle of the Decade |
Four Wheeler magazine editors have named the Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the Best 4x4 Vehicle of the Decade, while calling out the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the decade's most significant 4x4 vehicle.
"Jeep vehicles have earned many awards in the almost 70-year history of the iconic brand, but few have been as prestigious as these accolades from the editors at Four Wheeler magazine," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is clearly the most capable production vehicle on the planet, and in four-door Unlimited form, families can enjoy the combination of capability, freedom, space and comfort that only Jeep can provide."
In recognizing the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the Best 4x4 of the Decade, Four Wheeler magazine editor Doug McColloch said, "The JK (current version) Wrangler represented a big step up in on-road ride and handling for Jeep's flagship ride, yet it's off-road capability wasn't compromised in the least. If anything, it was only enhanced. Considering how competent in the dirt the previous-gen(eration) TJ was, that was no small feat for Chrysler engineers to pull off. But somehow they managed to do it, creating the decade's best four-wheel drive in the process."
In calling the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the Most Significant SUV of the Decade, editor Sean Holman said, "(The decision to produce a four-door Wrangler) will probably go down in history as one of the smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made. From a Jeep customer perspective, the four-door was pure genius, opening up the sport of 'Jeeping' to families. No longer would you have to choose your kids or your gear. It also made the Jeep brand accessible to people who have always loved the idea of a Wrangler, but never thought the vehicles were large enough or functional enough to fit their lifestyle and/or needs."
The full reports from the Four Wheeler editors can be viewed at www.fourwheeler.com, or at http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6618471/editorials/the-decades-10-best-4x4s/index.html and http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6592333/miscellaneous/we-pick-the-most-influential-4x4s-of-the-2000s/index.html.
The four-door Wrangler Unlimited model accounts for 59 percent of Wrangler sales.
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Chrysler Announces Liberty Renegade and Wrangler Mountain |
In anticipation of the 2010 North American International Auto Show, Chrysler has announced a couple of new variants for their Jeep lineup to go along with the recently announced Wrangler Islander. There's not a whole lot of "new" in either model, rather they both seem to be just rebranded combinations of options along with some unique styling (and stickers!)
The new 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade boasts a new premium, rugged appearance with standard class-leading capability features, while the Jeep Wrangler lineup is expanded with unique limited-edition models – Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain – that deliver high-impact visual appeal with outdoor fun-and-freedom themes.
“While clearly appealing to our core customers, these three new Jeep models will attract new customers to the Jeep dealer showroom,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Liberty Renegade delivers renowned Jeep capability and an array of standard features in a stunning new rugged, premium design, while both Wrangler models expand the iconic anchor of the Jeep brand with unique, limited-edition versions that consumers have told us they want.”
The new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Wrangler Islander edition will be available in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will follow in the second quarter.
(pics after the jump)
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Jeep Wrangler Islander is Back! |
Dave from AllPar just gave us a heads-up on an all new variant of the Jeep Wrangler for 2010 - the "Islander"! It's been over 20 years since the last Wrangler Islander and this version will have very limited quantities.
In addition to standard Sport equipment, the Islander added the 32 inch wheel and tire group, with 17 inch aluminum painted black wheels and LT 225/75R17 mud-terrain T/A tires; tubular side steps; a unique decal; dark gray seats with surf blue inserts and blue logos stitched in; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with blue accent stitching; and rubber slush mats.
Check out all of AllPar's coverage on the Islander including an additional picture.
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Camp Jeep to Visit San Diego |
The Jeep® brand is bringing Camp Jeep®, a unique driving experience, to consumers attending the 2010 San Diego International Auto Show, Dec. 30 - Jan. 3, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Camp Jeep is the ultimate indoor off-road driving test. The 30,000-square foot exhibit will give auto show attendees a chance to experience the extreme on- and off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the show floor.
"We have created this unique auto show opportunity to provide our customers with a memorable experience that no other manufacturer can offer," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The iconic Jeep brand offers an adventurous lifestyle and vehicles that deliver legendary 4x4 capability. Attendees can enjoy the Jeep experience first-hand on the show floor."
The course will be comprised of several obstacles that simulate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before customers get behind the wheel. This provides consumers a first-hand look at the capability standards of Jeep vehicles for Ground Clearance, Traction, Stability, Articulation and Suspension.
Jeep trail guides will drive participants in Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee and Liberty models over a variety of surfaces that include a 12 x 15-foot section of terrain simulating fallen logs measuring 18 inches in diameter and an area with a 45-degree side slope "wedge" that demonstrates suspension articulation and vehicle stability. The five minute ride culminates with an adrenaline rush of looking nearly straight up and straight down while navigating the 20-foot tall mobile Jeep mountain.
The San Diego International Auto Show will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; on Thursday, Dec 31, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and on Sunday, Jan 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Jeep brand first introduced this innovative driving experience at the New York Auto Show in 2004. It has since appeared at numerous auto shows throughout the country. Since its inception, more than a half million people have participated in a Camp Jeep test drive.
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Chrysler Bans Texting While Driving |
In an effort to promote safe driving and set an industry example, Chrysler banned all of its employees from texting while driving yesterday.
On a completely unrelated note, they also announced that select 2010 vehicles will offer text-to-voice/message technology to allow drivers to continue to pay exorbitant text messaging fees using only their voices.
From their press release:
Chrysler Group LLC today became the first automaker to establish a corporate policy surrounding company-owned vehicles and communication devices. The company now prohibits texting while driving in order to promote safer driving behaviors and serve as an industry example. The new policy applies to texting while driving company-owned vehicles and texting with company-provided communication devices while driving personal vehicles.
"The Chrysler Group values the safety and well-being of employees, customers and communities," said Nancy Rae, Executive Vice President - Human Resources, Chrysler Group LLC. "As an automaker, we expect higher driving standards from our work force and business partners as we design products and technology that bring greater levels of safety to our customers and their families."
The company's new "texting while driving" policy will take effect immediately.
"A driver's primary responsibility is to be in control of their vehicle; texting while driving clearly interferes with that responsibility," said Steve Bartoli, Head of Regulatory Affairs. "Chrysler Group LLC supports initiatives to ban this activity. Additionally, we stand with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers supporting a ban on hand-held cell phone operation while driving."
Chrysler Group continues to pioneer the integration of personal electronics in the automobile. Recently, the Chrysler Group announced it will offer text-to-voice/message reader technology in select 2011 model year Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles.
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Jeep Holiday Lights |
Thanks to murph for sending me a heads-up on this great holiday Jeep photo.
The image comes from user gizmodoprime on Flickr.
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Winter Issue of JPFreek Magazine Now Available |
The winter issue of the online-only JPFreek magazine is now available. The 132-page issue covers the usual excellent assortment of topics including:
- Cross-Country Jeep Jamboree Adventure
- Winter Camping 101
- Full-Size Jeep Photo Tribute
- Trails of Geronimo Jeep Expedition
- Overland Product Overviews
The "World of Wonder" climbing article/photos is magnificent (my personal favorite for this issue). As someone who grew up in New England, the "Maine Mountain Adventure" was fun to read as well.
Each issue is only $2.95, but well worth it - you'll easily save yourself that much money each month from the tech articles and gear guides alone!
