Rocky Mountain Edition adds excitement, value to Jeep® lineup

Posted Monday, Mar 16, 2009, 11:19 am in Jeep

The new 2009 Jeep® Patriot, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition models expand the fun, freedom, utility and available best-in-class 4×4 capability that Jeep is known for—now with even more customer features at a great value.

The 2009 Rocky Mountain Edition models offer approximately $1,000 off popular bundled customer features, including innovative uconnect® tunes, power sun roof and aluminum wheels. In total, the 2009 Rocky Mountain Edition package adds more than $2,300 in content for $1,595.

“The new 2009 Jeep Patriot, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Editions add more value and features to our iconic Jeep lineup,” Mike Accavitti, Director—Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, said. “And with Jeep’s best-in-class legendary 4×4 capability, our new 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Editions are ready to make any adventure—from the snow-covered mountain trails to sand dunes at the beach—even more fun.”

The starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) on new 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Editions (including destination) are:

• Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition at $19,765
• Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition at $25,355
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition at $32,825

The 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Edition models are available for ordering now and will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the United States and Canada later this month.

2009 Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition

Based on the 2009 Jeep Patriot Sport model, the new Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition adds uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte stereo, uconnect studios Sirius Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, body-color door handles and liftgate applique, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/60R17 all-season tires, “Rocky Mountain” driver and front-passenger door badging, power sun roof with express open/close operation, nine premium Boston Acoustics speakers including subwoofer, two additional articulating liftgate speakers and a 458-watt amplifier.

The Patriot 4×4 Rocky Mountain Edition features the Freedom Drive I™ 4×4 system providing best-in-class four-wheel-drive fuel economy and best-in-class capability in the compact sport-utility vehicle segment.

The Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition features a 2.4-liter engine, coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle that produces 172 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers a best-in-class 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway on two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models. A Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) with Auto Stick also is available for both models.

For Jeep Patriot customers seeking maximum fuel efficiency without a manual shift, an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to the CVT2 with Auto Stick to provide 158 horsepower and 141 lb.-ft. of torque. The spirited 2.0-liter delivers an EPA 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway and is available on two-wheel-drive equipped 2009 Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition models.

The Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition will be available in all-new Optic Green Crystal Pearl, as well as Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl and Bright Silver Metallic paint colors.

2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition

The new Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition is based on the 2009 Jeep Liberty Sport model and is available in both 4×4 and 4×2 models. Included in the Rocky Mountain Edition package are refreshed 17-inch aluminum wheels with tech silver paint finish, P235/65 R17 A/S tires, uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte radio, power sun roof, deep-tinted glass, speed control and a ‘Rocky Mountain’ badge.

The 2009 Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4×4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems: Command-Trac® standard with 4×4 models and the optional Selec-Trac® II on 4×4 models.

A 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine is standard on all Jeep Liberty Sport and Limited models sold in the United States. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2009 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway (4×2) and 15 city/21 highway (4×4).
Towing capacity on all models is 5,000 pounds maximum when equipped with the optional Trailer Tow Group.

The 2009 Rocky Mountain Edition will be available in Deep Water Blue, Bright Silver Metallic, Inferno Red and Brilliant Black exterior paint colors.

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition

The new Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition is based on the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo model and is available in 4×4 and 4×2 models. Included in the Rocky Mountain Edition package are 17-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels with gray painted pockets, power sun roof, Boston Acoustics sound system, uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte stereo, heated front seats, 12-volt power outlet, chromed body-side molding and a ‘Rocky Mountain’ edition badge.
Since its introduction in 1992, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has revolutionized the SUV market. With its best-in-class traction capability and power, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on- or off-road.

The 2009 Grand Cherokee Laredo model features a standard soft-touch center armrest cover, leather-wrapped park brake handle, floor mats, interior chromed door handles and audio control buttons.

The standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine provides the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. A sophisticated electronic throttle control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. An exhaust gas recirculation valve helps increase fuel economy.

The Grand Cherokee’s available flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) 4.7-liter V-8 engine incorporates electronic throttle control, two spark plugs per cylinder, increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 305 horsepower at 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 334 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase compared with the previous generation 4.7-liter V-8 engine. It also delivers more than a 5 percent increase in fuel economy. This FFV engine also gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation maintains vehicle stability in a variety of road surface and weather conditions. Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control deliver off-road and towing capability.

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition will be available in four exterior paint colors: new Inferno Red, Light Graystone, Bright Silver and Brilliant Black.

Encouraging News out of Chrysler!

In a tough market, Chrysler's Retail Sales were down much less than reported in the media (which includes fleet sales). They were also down much less than the other Domestic automakers and Chrysler actually sold more cars to retail customers than Ford!

February U.S. sales fall; retail share improves
Posted Tuesday, Mar 3, 2009, 4:19 pm in Company

Chrysler LLC today reported February U.S. retail sales of 66,658 units, a 26 percent decrease versus 2008, while the total retail industry was down a projected 35 percent.
Chrysler retail industry market share increased to 11 percent versus 9.6 percent in February 2008—an improvement of 1.4 percentage points. Total February 2009 U.S. sales include a fleet reduction of 71 percent year-over-year for the same period, furthering Chrysler’s focus on emphasizing retail over fleet.

“We see our retail number as a shining light of positive news,” Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. “By working together with our strong dealer body, we will continue to move the needle on sales and service. Additionally, our focus on quality is evident in the 2009 Dodge Ram, which continues to demonstrate our ability to improve the quality of our products. Recently reported data is not representative of the positive progress Chrysler has made over the last year. In the last 12 months, our corporate warranty claim rates are down over 30 percent.”

Press added that even though Chrysler is seeing a firming of retail demand, the overall economy is still being influenced by the lack of available credit for consumers.

“The Chrysler Financial TARP fund loan of $1.5 billion has started to provide positive traction in the marketplace,” he said. “During this important historical time, we are making strong progress as we move forward with our stakeholders to continue the restructuring of our company. We have a special bond with the American people now and pledge to continue our efforts to deliver the best quality, better fuel efficiency and the best value in the marketplace.”
February sales highlights

* Chrysler LLC retail sales (excluding fleet) increased 26 percent versus January, while retail sales for the industry increased 17 percent versus January

* Chrysler ranked second in retail sales among the Detroit three

* With best-in-class fuel economy, sales of Dodge Journey continued to grow as sales reached 4,615 units

* Sales of the Dodge Challenger (3,283 units) continue to accelerate and set a new monthly record

* Rock-solid Jeep® Wrangler sales increased 28 percent (9,088 units) compared with February 2008

“The availability of consumer credit from Chrysler Financial along with a consistent promotional message and advertising share of voice influenced the improvement in our February retail sales,” Steven Landry, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Service and Parts, said. “Overall, our retail sales position in February can be attributed to an increase in awareness of our Employee Pricing Plus Plus program. It truly gives our dealers a message that resonates with consumers. We will continue this program in March. In addition, March is Dodge truck month, and we will add the availability of ‘no charge HEMI®’ on the Ram 1500.”
March incentives

In March, Chrysler LLC begins Dodge truck month by delivering the award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI engine at no charge on the Dodge Ram 1500. The “no charge HEMI” option is worth as much as $1,200 to customers and is available in conjunction with the Employee Pricing Plus Plus program for 2008 and 2009 model year vehicles.

Continuing through March 31, Chrysler LLC’s Employee Pricing Plus Plus program offers the employee price to all customers purchasing or leasing a new 2008 or 2009 Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. In addition to the employee price, customers are eligible for cash discounts of as much as $3,500 for 2009 model year vehicles and as much as $6,000 on 2008 model year vehicles. Plus, qualified customers can obtain zero percent financing for as long as 36 months through Chrysler Financial.

Chrysler LLC’s total February U.S. sales were 84,050 units (including fleet), a decrease of 44 percent.

As evidence of the company’s continuing support of its dealers, it has reduced floor planning costs and inventory, keeping inventory fresh for customers. The company finished February with 350,966 units, representing a 100-day supply. With the lowest level of inventory of its domestic competitors, total inventory is down 20 percent compared with February 2008 when it totaled 436,399 units.