2005 Jeep Liberty to be First Diesel Engine Powered Mid-Size SUV in United States

JEEP PRESS RELEASE
Jeep announces the Liberty 2.8L CRD, available in early 2005. CRD, short for Common Rail Diesel, is an innovative, second-generation design that features advanced technology creating a more-powerful, cleaner-running and quieter diesel engine. The 2005 Diesel Jeep Liberty will be the first diesel powered mid-size SUV available in the U.S.

2.8L CRD Engine benefits and features include the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder, the acceleration of a V6, the torque output of a V8, power on demand, increased efficiency, over 480 miles to the tank, 25% better fuel economy, cleaner running, smoother operation and an overall quieter ride.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty & Wrangler Participate in 'Jeep Trail Rated' Program

JEEP PRESS RELEASE
Jeep proudly announces its 'Jeep Trail Rated' program, a new way of communicating to consumers the extensive level of off-road requirements Jeep 4x4 vehicles are capable of. The 2004 Jeep 4x4 vehicles, including the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Liberty are participating in the program.

"Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology to objectively measure and predict off-road performance," said Jeff Bell, VP Jeep, a division of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "We created Jeep Trail Rated to communicate the legendary Jeep 4x4 capability." Jeep Trail Rated is backed by the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC), which has 45 years of off-road vehicle testing experience, including the creation of standards for the U.S. military.

The "Jeep Trail Rated" badge indicates that Jeep 4x4s are designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories, including Ground Clearance, Traction, Articulation, Maneuverability and Water Fording. "Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated environments, Jeep Trail Rated provides a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road performance," stated Bell. "Trail Rated will help us ensure that our legendary 4x4 capability remains a cornerstone of the Jeep brand."

Jeep print and television promotions have been launched to communicate the standards that Jeep vehicles must meet in order to earn the Jeep "Trail Rated" badge. Each ad highlights one of the five consumer-oriented categories that make up Jeep Trail Rated. In describing the overall direction of the promotional ads, Bell continued, "Each print ad will consistently show the performance standards with a capability graphic that highlights one of the five off-road conditions being demonstrated, along with the Trail Rated 4x4 badge. The television spots will also feature the performance categories and the Trail Rated 4x4 badge. The Jeep brand continues to deliver on the promise to provide rugged, versatile vehicles with authentic 4x4 capability," added Bell.

2005 Jeep Jamboree Schedule & Locations to be Announced in Early 2005

Having finished up in Moab, Utah after making stops in no less than 36 locations throughout the United States, Jeep announced the 2004 Jeep Jamboree events to be one its most successful ever. They are finalizing details and will be announcing the complete list of locations and schedule of events for 2005.

Beginning with the first Jamboree in 1952, the Jeep Jamboree has been a reoccurring event for over 50 years. A company spokesman describes it as a very unique family-oriented four-wheel drive experience. Jamborees are designed for all levels of expertise and fun for everyone. No custom and highly modified Jeep is necessary. The two day friday and saturday schedule provides the opportunity for families to venture places unaccessable from the highway. Participants learn how to properly drive a Jeep vehicle in challenging off-highway situations, all in a family-friendly environment.

All Jeep vehicles, including the Liberty, Cherokee, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, can be used at the events, and will continue at the 2005 Jeep Jamboree. Requirements include that all four-wheel drive Jeep vehicles be in good condition, with good tires and brakes and seat belts. Finally, Jeep states that they require prior approval for larger Jeep models such as older Grand Wagoneers and J-Series Pickups. Also 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees with Quadra-Trac systems are not allowed. Jeep Jamboree USA reserves the right to refuse participation to any Jeep model that exceeds event size restrictions.

2005 Jeep Wrangler Released; Includes 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Jeep recently released the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The regular-length Wrangler comes as a two-door in four trim levels – SE, X, Sport and Rubicon. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is an extended-wheelbase that also has two doors, available with the Standard, Sport and Rubicon trim. Extending 15 extra inches, the Unlimited has double the cargo capacity of the classic model. A hard-top version is also once again available.

The SE model Jeeps are powered by a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine combined with a brand new 2005 six-speed manual transmission for a total 147 horsepower output. A four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. All other models include the 4-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that outputs 190 horsepower. Significant torque and excellent acceleration is reported to be produced by the 4-liter version.

2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited Specifications:
Vehicle type: All-wheel-drive, front-engine, two-door, four-passenger sport utility vehicle
Key competition: Land Rover Freelander
Base engine: 147 horsepower 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed manual or four-speed automatic
Standard safety equipment: Four-wheel disc brakes; dual front air bags
MPG rating: 15 city/19 highway
Manufactured: United States
Warranty: Basic warranty is three years/36,000 miles
Base price: $23,745

Sales of Jeep Wrangler Strong in U.K. as Vehicle Remains Symbol of America

Jeep Wrangler sales have continued to be strong in the United Kingdom, not so much for its practical characteristics, but because it remains a stong symbol and icon of America. Similar to classic American westerns and Levi jeans, England has been buying into the image since 1993, when the Jeep Wrangler was first introduced to the U.K.

Jeep has continued to add stylistic features and appointments that satisy both the practical consumer in the U.S. and drivers in the U.K. that enjoy the off-road vehicle more for what it represents than its actual performance capabilities.

Jeep offers the Wrangler in two power options - a four-cylinder 2.5 litre engine or a six-cylinder 4 litre engine. The 4 litre engine is rated most strongly with buyers due to having 50% more power, offering a smoother and quiter driving experience; factors that are important when driving primarily in urban environments instead of off-road in desert canyons.

The soft-top Jeep Wrangler is still unique in its class. The Land Rover Freelander also comes in a cloth top but has a much smaller power output. The standard hard-top Jeep Wrangler Sahara model is also offered besides the soft-top Wrangler Sport. A removable fiberglass hard top cover is also an option. Sales of the accessory are strong in the U.K., as owners enjoy the flexibility of an open-air environment when the sun shines and sufficient cover in adverse conditions.

Paraplegic Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Sues Jeep Maker DaimlerChysler for Severe Burn Injuries

A multi-million dollar lawsuit filed against Jeep maker Daimler-Chrysler by a paraplegic who says the Jeep heated car seats caused him a severe burn injury. Matthew Beller, 20, who has paralysis in his lower limbs and complete loss of sensation below his mid-back due to a training accident sustained while in the U.S. Marine Corps, said his condition prevented him from sensing the burn while it was occurring and that the seats are "unreasonably dangerous."

The suit specifies that injuries to his buttocks occurred, "including third-degree burns requiring hospitalization, skin grafts and reconstructive surgery," while he was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Attorneys for Beller have demanded payment for damages in excess of $14 million, and they further contend that other paraplegics have suffered burn injuries similar to Beller's in Chrysler vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Even before Beller purchased the Grand Cherokee in August 2003, DaimlerChrysler "had knowledge that car seat heaters in its vehicles had caused severe burns to persons with sensory deprivation," the suit says. "The electrically heated driver's seat in the Jeep Grand Cherokee was defective and unreasonably dangerous to those using it, including Plaintiff Matthew Beller," said sources who have seen copies of the suit.

Chrysler spokeswoman Mary Gauthier said, "The company has not yet seen the lawsuit and is unable to comment on it."

Jeep Title Sponsor of 2005 Jeep King of the Mountain Series

Jeep is once again returning as the title sponsor of the King of the Mountain Series. The Jeep King of the Mountain Series started 12 years ago and was previously a downhill series only. It now includes international elite snowboarders and skiers. Past competitors have included Olympians Pirmin Zurbriggen, Jean-Luc Cretier, Josef Polig, Tommy Moe, Bill Johnson, Franz Klammer and Leonard Stock.

The Jeep King of the Mountain Series currently offers the richest purse in ski/snowboard racing. This years purse includes over $450,000 (U.S.) in prize money and a new Jeep Liberty to the overall winner. CBS Sports will be airing the Jeep King of the Mountain Series between December 2004 and March 2005.

Events are scheduled to take place at Telluride Ski Resort on Nov. 28, 2004; Snowbird, Utah on Dec. 18, 2004; Mt. Snow Resort, Vermont on Jan. 21, 2005; Heavenly Resort in Lake Tahoe on Feb. 5, 2005.