Chrysler calls investigation of Jeep fires 'simply terrible'

by BILL McGINTY / NewsChannel 36 Staff

Bio | Email | Follow: @billwcnc

Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

Updated yesterday at 11:42 PM

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Valentine’s Day 2012 did not go well for Deb Monauni when she returned home.  She got home from work and parked her 2007 Jeep Wrangler in her driveway.

“Literally, as I stopped, it exploded, full on ball of fire explosion in my driveway,” Monauni said.  “And I looked down this way and saw little flames coming out from under my jeep.”

Monauni said the fire was fast and furious. “It blew up, became totally engulfed in flames and there was an explosion.”

The fire quickly spread to the house.

“It was going up, which is my bottom floor, so it was taking out my support beams,” she added.

The fire department arrived at Deb’s mountain home west of Asheville.  They saved the damaged house, but the Jeep was a total loss and a bit of a mystery.

“I mean, I came home like I normally do, parked it and it caught fire,” she noted

Following NewsChannel 36 I-Team reports of Jeep Fires locally and around the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened up an investigation because of sudden fires in 2010 Jeep Wranglers.

But the catch is that Monauni’s Jeep was a 2007 Wrangler.

She said she didn’t know that 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers were recalled in 2009 to address transmission problems which could, and did, lead to sudden fires in the engine compartment. The Jeep Wrangler owner’s manual says the hot oil light and a chime will warn that transmission fluid contacting the hot engine or the exhaust may cause a fire, and that if that message appears, drivers should stop.

Monauni said, “now what this warning light was supposed to do was flash ‘hot oil’ and that would let me know I was in danger of a fire.  That light never went off.”

Meanwhile, Rob Pyrock said his 2010 Jeep was driving fine when it too burst into flames in January in Indian Trail, and like Monauni, he said, “No warnings, no lights, no nothing.  It just died.”

But Chrysler told the Newchannel 36 I-Team that Pyrock’s Jeep fire was his fault, that grass under the jeep, the result of recent off-roading, was the cause of the fire and not a Jeep defect.

NewsChannel 36 challenged the “grass fire” cause in our first two stories, after which Chrysler Spokesman Michael Palese sent NewsChannel 36 an email.

“Look, your reports are simply terrible,” he wrote.  “Talk to someone who knows something about vehicle fires... You’re making a mess of this.”

The I-Team tracked down the Union County Fire Marshall who inspected Pyrock’s Jeep. The finding was “mechanical failure in the engine compartment.”  Grass isn’t mentioned anywhere in the two-page fire report.

Sean Kane, President of the consumer advocate group Safety Research and Strategies said, “We don’t have an exact origin of the fire and Chrysler has been blaming the drivers for improper maintenance or off-roading them.”

Back west of Asheville, Monauni was also asked questions about her driving and maintenance habits prior to her Jeep fire.  

“[Their] commercials have the cars climbing rocks and, you know, going through streams, doing crazy stuff. I don’t do any of that.  I just go to work and come back,” she noted.

The Federal Government is now looking at the 2010 models and getting data from model years 2007 through 2012. Is there a connection between Deb’s recalled 2007 Jeep that burned and the federal investigation of the 2010 models?

“Please refer to our previous statements,” Chrysler said.  “These vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards and have excellent safety records.  Vehicle fires are very complex, can occur in any vehicle on the road today and are often caused by many reasons not associated with the vehicle itself.  Poor maintenance, faulty or poorly installed aftermarket equipment, etc. are common causes of vehicle fires.  NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation into the 2010 model year Jeep Wrangler.  This preliminary investigation is limited to the 2010 model year. This is a preliminary investigation, not a recall, and Chrysler Group, as normal, is cooperating fully with the agency.”

But Monauni is still frustrated.

“I have been in shock, been angry—more angry than anything. I can’t even get a reply, not even an ‘I’m sorry this happened’.  Nothing.”

Would she ever buy another Jeep?

“No,” Monauni added.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude:

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude:

• 2012 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition to arrive in Jeep showrooms next month
• Altitude model is newest special-edition Wrangler created in response to Jeep enthusiasts looking for factory-customized vehicles
• New Wrangler Unlimited Altitude follows last month's introduction of Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models
• All 2012 Jeep Wrangler models powered by 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and up to 21 miles per gallon
• Jeep Wrangler sales up 30 percent in 2012

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.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120423/DE91149 )
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.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude The new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition includes a body-color hardtop with matching painted center sections on the front and rear bumpers. Unique eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with black-painted spokes and polished wheel rings combine to give the Altitude model a one-of-a-kind appearance.
Wrangler Unlimited Altitude's exterior appointments are completed with the inclusion of a Mopar® black fuel fill door, a matte black "Jeep" grille badge and a black tone-on-tone hood graphic.
A black-and-red theme is found inside the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude. Specifically, red accent stitching adorns black leather seats, door panels, center arm rest, floor mats and steering wheel. Vent rings, steering-wheel spokes, door pulls and passenger-side dashboard grab handle and berber floor mats all appear in black, to provide the contrasting and one-of-a-kind interior.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude models are available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic, and will be available at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,740.
2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – is even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award – delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.
2012 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a recently redesigned instrument panel and storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are available, and drivers and passengers enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of large rear windows.
Jeep Brand Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/23/4434781/jeep-introduces-new-limited-edition.html#storylink=cpy

Jeep Forward Control (FC) Review

This is by far the best review I've seen for the FC to date. Posted on Expedition Portal, Scott Brady has nailed his summery of this vehicle and has provided some very nice photos too. Pay attention to the pics, there are some nice surprises in there.

FIRST DRIVE-  I am finishing this article less than two hours after driving the Forward Control concept vehicle from the Jeep design team. We will add more images and detail in the coming days, but I wanted to give those interested an initial drive review.
The F-C is another important project for the Jeep design team as it continues to push and reinforce the brand emphasis on utility and brand heritage. While other US brands have bloated and softened their product lines at nearly the same rate as American waistlines, Jeep has actually become more capable and more purposeful (no, I will not use the word authenticity, which now has as much meaning as synergy or excellence. . . puke). The point here is that Jeep's design team gets it - and not just at the level of enthusiasts, but even beyond that by making concepts that even the enthusiasts get all giddy about. This is an important distinction. Mark Allen and his team do not have focus groups or customer 'needs' pow wows, they are thinking of extremely cool vehicles that even the most die-hard Jeep enthusiast hasn't dreamed up. Now understandably, vehicles like the NuKaiser and the F-C will never go into production, but real, breathing and desirable vehicles will be constructed from the DNA of these lustful objects.
There is also another critical result from these concept vehicles - they actually work. They are not just some clay, plastic and chicken wire rendition that needs to be viewed from 30 feet, these Jeeps actually run, drive and 'wheel' like a fourwheeler's best daydream. It is shocking to me, but Jeep unleashes the media on these trucks, and based on what we can see, only 1 out of 10 of these people know a locker switch from a seat heater switch. Within a few minutes of arriving at our play area, I had jumped in several new concepts, but saved the F-C for last, most importantly so I could have a little more time. Ever patient, one of the Jeep design team members hopped into the seat next to me and said "I know you Scott - lets have some fun with it"; and off we went, trundling down the trail barely able to see because I was laughing and smiling so much. 30 seconds in and I had declared the F-C to be Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, a fanciful combination of 'Tonka truck fantasy' and 'I cannot believe they are letting me drive this'.
 
Immediately, I was taken by two things: 1. You are WAY up in the air 2. This things drives WAY better than it should. My test loop started with a cambered sand track that forced several of the other concepts to drift down slope and require a bit of throttle and counter-steer to correct. The long wheelbase and wide track of the F-C held the line and even at about 20 degrees of side slope, it felt stable. Sitting just above the front tires, I expected the truck to bounce uncontrollably, but it didn't, so long as you didn't push the speed to much. Given that the F-C is a one-off concept, the spring rate and shock valving was 95% there.  I would rate the ride as comfortable, mostly a contribution of the soft front spring rate and nearly perfect compression valving. I just ambled along, climbing long slickrock fins and over various ledges and cross-axle obstacles. None felt odd or even difficult - we never turned on a locker. Descending a 35% slope felt a little unusual, and not because the rear got light, but because all you see is the bottom, and all you can think about is that your face would be the crumple zone in any endo. Climbing was effortless. However, given all the F-C's capability, all I could think of was how fun it would be to drive in the deserts of Africa, the bed loaded with a few drums of fuel, a live goat or two for dinner and some Tuareg, holding on to the roof and pointing east. Concept or not - this is one fun truck!

Plan your 2012 Easter Jeep Safari Trails Here

Head on over to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers to find out which trails will work for on which days. Follow the link for a handy little chart.  The Red Rock 4-Wheelers have been hosting this event since the 1980's.

Jeep's Moab Six

 Jeep always seems to develop some of the coolest concepts. I would love to see each one of these make it to production but especially the J-12 and the FC. That FC would make a incredible expedition vehicle for touring the park system in the US and traveling abroad. Even more so if they would make it in a 4 door or "club cab" variety. Now...on to the press release.

Jeep® and Mopar Unveil Six New Vehicles for the 46th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari

All vehicles feature an array of Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories

• Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept adds even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability
• Jeep Wrangler Apache introduces new Mopar 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 conversion kit
• Mighty FC Concept features Mopar portal axles; harkens back to Jeep Forward Control models of 1950s and 1960s
• Jeep J-12 Concept: extended version of Mopar JK-8 conversion kit
• Mopar-accessorized Jeep Wrangler showcases many of the more than 250 Mopar offerings available for Wrangler
• Jeep Wrangler Traildozer: extreme 37-inch tires and another interpretation of a V-8 Wrangler
• Mopar creates new off-road division to develop Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories

March 27, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Jeep® and Mopar are ready for a week of wheeling in Moab.

The brands have created six new vehicles – all featuring a host of Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories – for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Now in its 46th year and taking place March 31 – April 8, the Easter Jeep Safari will be attended by thousands of die-hard off-road enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of wheeling on some of the country’s most renowned and challenging trails. Mopar also announced the creation of an off-road division that will create Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories.

“We’re delighted to showcase six new vehicles to our loyal Jeep fans at this year’s Moab Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Jeep Safari has long been a great way for Jeep to connect with its core audience. We look forward to spending the week demonstrating our latest potential production and customization ideas and gathering instant feedback from the most knowledgeable 4x4 enthusiasts in the world.”

To create these new vehicles, Jeep teamed with Mopar, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and offers more than 1,000 accessories and performance parts for Jeep vehicles.

“Mopar is tapping into a growing trend among extreme Jeep enthusiasts who want even more power and capability on the trail,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “This year, Mopar is pushing the envelope in this arena by offering our customers new Pro 60 portal axles and a new HEMI conversion kit, which we will showcase in these new vehicles. In addition, to further maximize our presence in the off-road market, we are creating a Mopar Off-Road division to develop Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories.”

Since 2002, Jeep and Mopar have teamed to create more than 30 unique concept vehicles for enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.

Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories, New Mopar Off-road DivisionJeep engineers, working closely with Mopar’s new off-road division, will create authentic parts and accessories for Jeep vehicles. New products from the group will be called Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories. Each part and accessory will be specifically designed, built and quality-tested in order to meet strict Jeep specifications and fulfill the Jeep brand’s requirements for 4x4 capability, craftsmanship and versatility.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Apache from Mopar




Jeep enthusiasts have been asking for a V-8 powered Jeep HEMI Wrangler, and Mopar is coming through. Debuting at the Easter Jeep Safari will be the new Mopar 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine conversion kit specifically for the Jeep Wrangler. Producing approximately 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, the Mopar V-8 conversion kit gives Jeep enthusiasts an unprecedented blend of power and capability. 

Available this summer, the Mopar Wrangler V-8 conversion kit initially will mate to Chrysler Group’s W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, and eventually to the six-speed manual transmission that drives the 2012 production Wrangler.

Other performance parts on the Jeep Wrangler Apache are Mopar Pro 60 5.13 front and rear axles, a 4.5-inch Stage 3 long arm lift kit and off-road bead-lock wheels. Aesthetic and functional modifications include high-clearance flat fenders, rock rails, front and rear half-door kits, a Stinger front bumper, a Warn 9.5ti XP winch, Katzkin leather seats, a locking center console box and a Mopar branded interior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is well known for its benchmark off-road capability, courtesy of its Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, Selec-Terrain™ traction control system, Off-Road Adventure packages, tow/recovery hooks tested to twice the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight, and class-leading 4x4 systems – including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive® II system that includes a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivering industry-leading tractive capability.

Already the most awarded SUV ever over its lifetime compared to any other SUV, the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept takes the premium Jeep vehicle’s legendary off-road prowess to a new level, while providing a one-of-a-kind, more aggressive visual punch sure to delight Jeep enthusiasts.

Leading the off-road improvement are new 18-inch Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor off-road tires – chosen to provide even more aggressive off-road performance combined with quiet highway manners – that are wrapped around new painted 5-spoke alloy Mineral Gray wheels. 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.

Jeep Mighty FC Concept

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.

Off-road function is dramatically improved with the addition of Mopar’s new Portal Axle set. These offset axles offer the greatest amount of ground clearance without requiring excessive suspension lift.

Mopar’s Front Portal Axle (8-lug, part number P5155670) is available at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,500, and the Rear Portal Axle’s (8-lug, part number P5155671) MSRP is $11,000.

The axles are controlled with King coil-over assemblies along with beefy Teraflex control arms and track bars. Traction is handled by massive 40-inch tires mounted on custom Hutchinson 17-inch beadlock wheels.

Other Jeep Mighty FC highlights include King coil-over reservoir shocks, Hanson bumpers, a Warn 16.5 winch and a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system.



Jeep J-12 Concept

The Jeep J-12 concept is essentially an extended version of Mopar’s recently introduced JK-8 pickup conversion kit for the Jeep Wrangler. With a new 2012 Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point, the rear of the vehicle’s frame is extended 18 inches, allowing the spare tire to be relocated under the bed floor and making the cargo box a full six feet in length. A custom hood and front fender set was created as a nod to aficionados of the beloved Jeep Gladiator series trucks.

Off-road muscle has been improved with the addition of the new Mopar three-inch suspension lift kit, as well as Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. Traction is handled through classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel wheels.

The cabin of the J-12 concept has been “dressed down” in support of a basic truck theme, with the carpet being replaced by rugged truck bed liner, and the bucket seats re-crafted into a modern version of a bench seat, trimmed in white with a whimsical plaid pattern.

Further highlights include a Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts and Katzkin seat trim.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Traildozer Concept

To prep are the Jeep Wrangler Traildozer for Moab’s toughest trails, Jeep Design worked closely with the American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) engineering team to bring it to life. Starting with a new Dozer Yellow 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the team added a bolt-in 470 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission. Power runs through Rubicon-specific Dana 44 axles equipped with 4:10 gears and electronic locking differentials.

To clear the 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw radials mounted on Mopar Classic five-spoke wheels,
an AEV Dualsport RS 3.5-inch suspension lift was installed. For severe off-road body protection, Mopar premium front and rear bumpers and rear corner guards were added. Additional items include a Mopar performance heat reduction hood, Mopar half-door kit and a Mopar/Warn 9.5 Cti winch.

Jeep Wrangler Traildozer’s interior includes an AEV ‘F-1’ leather seat trim kit and Mopar slush mats
.

Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles

So I had no idea this rally existed.  Pretty cool stuff and this all female rally has been going on since 1990. 

Today's news.

March 26, 2012 (El Fecht, Morocco) - The first of two Marathon Legs in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles has just come to a close, and Team #107 from the U.S., Amy Lerner and Tricia Reina, are holding solid in seventh position overall. The sister duo, new to off-road after completing the 2011 Gazelle, is impressing organizers and competitors with a strong performance since the initial Prologue stage on Wednesday. Piloting the AEV modified Jeep Rubicon, Lerner successfully nailed the difficult checkpoints in the famed Erg Chebbi Dunes, the largest dunes in Morocco.

Lerner feels the AEV modifications on their Jeep Rubicon impacted their results this year, helping them leap into the top ten. "Suspension was key, as well as the electronic sway bar disconnect and heat reaction hood - I didn't have to worry about it overheating out there despite the rough conditions. The Jeep's added lift made it tackle the camel grass well, and the handling and comfort level has been phenomenal. When you're out there for 14 hours a day, that's highly important.

You can follow the rally here. They finished Day 5 today and moving on to Day 6. The official finish is March 31st.

Official site: www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com

Jeep® Introduces New Limited-edition 'Altitude' Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Models

Jeep® Introduces New Limited-edition 'Altitude' Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Models

• Unprecedented consumer interest in Jeep® Grand Cherokee concept confirms production; drives creation of Compass and Patriot limited-edition models
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude first shown as concept at Houston Auto Show in January
• Winning “Altitude” name chosen from more than 100,000 entries in Jeep “Name My Ride” consumer contest
• New Jeep vehicles boast “blacked-out” exteriors with distinct, aggressive flair
• Jeep brand vehicle sales up 34 percent in 2012 (through February)

March 26, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Following an overwhelmingly positive consumer response to the recently introduced Grand Cherokee concept and related “Name My Ride” contest, the Jeep® brand has announced it will produce not just one, but three new limited-edition Jeep vehicles: the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models.

In January, Jeep introduced a distinctive, “blacked-out” production-intent concept Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show, and connected with consumers to name the model. With more than 100,000 entries from enthusiasts of the Jeep brand – which boasts more than 2 million Facebook fans – “Altitude” emerged as the winning vehicle name. 

“The fact that well over 100,000 consumers entered our ‘Name My Ride’ contest reinforces the passion behind the Jeep brand, and its position as one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the world,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The extraordinary response to both the concept and the contest resulted in an easy decision to produce ‘blacked-out’ editions of the Grand Cherokee – and the Compass and Patriot. These new Jeep Altitude editions will clearly have a broad appeal among consumers, especially those looking for something distinctive, edgy, and just plain cool.”

The new, limited-edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in May.

Jeep Grand Cherokee AltitudeJeep’s premium icon – the Grand Cherokee – is the most awarded SUV ever over its lifetime compared to any other SUV. The Grand Cherokee Altitude edition combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive chrome and “blacked-out” look.

The vehicle’s grille surround appears in black gloss, and mesh grille texture in platinum chrome. A platinum chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a black liftgate light bar continue the “blacked-out” theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior.

The Grand Cherokee Altitude rides on 20-inch tires that surround black-gloss aluminum wheels.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506-watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Bright Silver Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic and Stone White, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude starts at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,595 for 4x2 models and $37,595 for 4x4 models.

Jeep Compass AltitudeThe new limited-edition Compass Altitude continues the “from-the-factory” customized look first seen in the Grand Cherokee concept shown in January.

A distinctive black gloss finish surrounds Compass’ trademark seven-slot Jeep grille and headlamps, and the treatment continues with black roof rails and a black step pad. The Compass Altitude rides on exclusive 18-inch black gloss aluminum wheels wearing Firestone BSW all-season performance tires.

The Jeep Compass Altitude model is available in three drivetrain configurations (including available Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road packages), and features power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, remote start, continuously variable automatic transaxle, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and includes numerous safety and security features, such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White, the Jeep Compass Altitude’s starting U.S. MSRP is $22,190 for 4x2 models and $23,940 for 4x4 models.

Jeep Patriot AltitudeThe Jeep Patriot Altitude continues the “blacked-out” theme found on Grand Cherokee and Compass versions, but features more chrome and polished steel than its Compass sibling.

Riding on 17-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels and Firestone BSW all-season touring tires, the Jeep Patriot Altitude boasts a bright chrome lower fascia and rear step pad appliques, and bright polished steel roof rails. 

Jeep Patriot is the best-priced SUV in America, was recently named an Edmunds.com Lowest True Cost To Own® vehicle, and has earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick.” 

The Patriot Altitude edition is available in three drivetrain configurations (including available Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road packages), and features power heated exterior mirrors and heated seats, power windows (driver one-touch) and locks, continuously variable automatic transaxle, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and includes numerous safety and security features, such as electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

Available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Mineral Gray and Bright White, the Jeep Patriot Altitude’s starting U.S. MSRP is $20,240 for 4x2 models and $23,275 for 4x4 models.

Jeep “Name My Ride” ContestFor several weeks following the Houston Auto Show, consumers had the opportunity to name the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept vehicle by visiting Jeep.com. The brand then compiled entries and narrowed them down to three favored choices:

- Altitude: representing the new heights the Jeep brand is reaching, with an array of new vehicles and special-edition models consumers have been seeking, a wide variety of vehicle and brand awards, and a string of recent sales successes that includes 23 months of increased sales – up 24 percent in 2010, 44 percent in 2011 and 34 percent so far in 2012 

- Midnight: for the distinctive, mysterious, deep and dark “blacked out” appearance of the vehicle; and

- Obsidan: a dark-colored – usually jet black – volcanic rock that displays curved surfaces – and may tie to a potential future Jeep model name.

After two weeks of online voting, “Altitude” was chosen as the winning name. Mark Johnson, of Sanger, Calif., submitted the name and will receive a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jeep Sales HighlightsIn 2011, Jeep brand sales increased 44 percent in the U.S. – with each Jeep model up more than 30 percent – while industry sales rose 11 percent. Globally, Jeep sales increased 41 percent in 2011. Through the end of February, Jeep sales are up 34 percent in 2012 (versus industry increase of 14 percent), and 35 percent globally.

Jeep BrandBuilt on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.