Local retailer gets jolt when jeep crashes through wall

By BRIAN HAWKINS
Starkville Daily News

John Hendricks received a major jolt Wednesday afternoon.
Hendricks, owner of the Lodge and University Screenprint, was sitting at his desk working shortly before 3 p.m. when a Jeep Grand Cherokee came crashing through the concrete brick wall of his office.
“I thought the world had come to an end,” said Hendricks. “I opened my eyes and looked up and all I could see was white because of all the dust.”

Carolyn Sullivan was driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee and was attempting to park outside the business when the crash occurred. It is believed the accelerator pedal in the vehicle became stuck as she was attempting to park.
The airbags in the Jeep were activated in the crash. Sullivan, who was going to check on a T-shirt order at University Screenprint when the crash occurred, was later taken from the scene by family members. 
Other than being covered with dust, Hendricks himself was unhurt, mostly likely to due his high-back office chair, he said. Some of his employees had to move his desk to free him from the rubble after the crash, he said.
Hendricks said the electrical conduit lines — which are encased in steel piping — are what stopped Sullivan’s Jeep from coming further into the building. He and his employees were grateful that she struck the brick wall and not the glass facades of the public areas of the University Screenprint and Lodge stores, Hendricks said.
“We were thankful that there were other cars parked in front of those areas,” he said.
An electrical inspector examined the power lines and fuse box in Hendricks’ office and a contractor placed a temporary patch over the large hole in the wall the resulted from the crash. Both the Lodge and University Screenprint are scheduled to be open for business as usual today, Hendricks said.
Sullivan’s Jeep Grand Cherokee sustained moderate damage to its front end and frame. It was towed from the scene.

Jeep and Dodge Recall Close to 300,000

Auburn Hills, Michigan - Chrysler has issued a recall on an estimated 296,550 vehicles to reprogram an electronic control unit.

The fix will eliminate any chance of what the company called "a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill".

Chrysler spokesman Max Gates said the problem was supplier-related. While the problem could only occur under limited and infrequent circumstances, "a customer who experiences any delay in braking should take the vehicle to a certified dealer for inspection".

Chrysler was aware of one such accident that caused no injuries.

The potentially affected vehicles are 157 000 2006/07 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUV's, 90 000 2007 Jeep Wranglers and 49 000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUV's. - AFP

Revealed: Jeep J8 MPV

Chrysler LLC today unveiled the Jeep J8 multipurpose vehicle at the 2007 Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) military trade show, making the legendary vehicle available for reenlistment in active military service. “Jeep vehicles made their original debut in 1941 for military duty, and have built their reputation with more than 65 years as the world’s benchmark for off-road capability and versatility for civilian and military vehicles,” said Thomas Hausch, Vice President – International Sales, Chrysler LLC.

“The new Jeep J8 marks the brand’s return to vehicle production for military and civilian government use – the same capability that makes the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited famous also makes the Jeep J8 a truly multipurpose vehicle.”

With the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point, Jeep engineers increased its capability and versatility. The frame of the Wrangler Unlimited is reinforced for increased ruggedness and to allow greater payloads – up to a maximum of 1,339 kg (2,952 lbs.). Axles, brakes and suspension components are engineered specifically for more demanding military and civilian government use, including utilising a leaf-spring suspension system in the rear. The J8’s Command-Trac® four-wheel drive system allows maximum versatility and performance in both on- and off-road conditions.

The Jeep J8 is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs.). The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to wade in water up to 762 mm (30 in.) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand- or left-hand-drive.

While not designed for front-line combat operations, the Jeep J8 is fully armour capable and excels in a variety of duties ranging from command vehicle to troop/cargo carrier, ambulance, communications vehicle and other duties – also making it suitable for civilian government applications. Heavy-duty bumpers with tow eyes allow the Jeep J8 to be easily transported by aeroplane or helicopter.

The Jeep J8 will be produced in a Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility in Cairo, Egypt, and will be available in spring 2008.

2007 Jeep 4x4 Geocaching Challenge Photo Contest Update

Voting for the 2007 Jeep 4x4 Geocaching Challenge July Travel Bug photos has
begun. July's photo goal was "American Heritage." Support your fellow
geocachers by visiting the photo gallery and nominating your favorite.

http://jeep.geocaching.com/photos/

The photo goal for August is "No Boundaries". Follow the link below to find out
more about the 2007 Jeep 4x4 Geocaching Challenge:

http://jeep.geocaching.com

Official Chrysler Reaction to the New Chrysler

From Chrysler Group press releases...

The New Chrysler today issued the following statement from Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, regarding the closing of a transaction for the company: "With the transaction complete, we can now focus all of our efforts on our day-to-day business by moving faster, quickly reacting to customer needs and bringing out industry- leading products," said LaSorda. "We have support from two solid partners - Cerberus and Daimler - which will give us the strong financial backing and the resources we need to fuel the long-term success of this great company."

The New Chrysler will celebrate its "First Day" on Monday, August 6, at its Auburn Hills, Michigan world headquarters building and its facilities around the world. The company will continue to roll out the launch of The New Chrysler throughout the year. The Pentastar logo will also return as the company's corporate mark in an updated form, and will be unveiled Monday.