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.

Production of the 2008 Jeep Liberty Begins!

From the official press release:

The 2008 Jeep Liberty continues Chrysler Group's expanding Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS), allowing the Company to bring new vehicles to market quickly and efficiently; and enable its assembly plants to manufacture multiple products on one assembly line.

The Toledo North Plant was extensively retooled to manage the complexity of building two different models on one production line. Investments included multiple plant upgrades, improving quality, productivity and worker ergonomics. Last year, more than 160,000 square feet were added to the plant floor to enhance body and assembly processes. The all-new Liberty carried an investment 85 percent less than previous products. The vehicle is the second model of a two-model flexible manufacturing process implemented at TNAP.

The retooling of TNAP is part of $3.9 billion spent on Toledo manufacturing capabilities that include an original $1.2 billion to build Toledo North (opening in 2001) and $2.1 billion for Chrysler's Toledo Supplier Park, home of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited four-door.

Jeep Joins Boardfest!

The “All Girl Action Sports, Music and Empowerment Festival,” Boardfest, is proud to announce its newest partners – Skechers, Jeep and Aquafina – to its already action-packed Labor Day weekend festival. The fourth annual Boardfest will be held at the Huntington Beach Pier, Sept. 1 to 3.

Where action sports, music and life collide, Boardfest ’07 showcases something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding competitions, surfing and skateboarding clinics, makeovers, empowerment activities, interactive exhibits, music, motivational speakers and attractions.

The SKECHERS Concert Stage & Entertainment Center at Boardfest will feature live entertainment, fashion shows, yoga clinics, dance performers and special guest appearances. The iconic company also will host a sampling center near the stage.

The Jeep Snow Zone showcases world-class female riders negotiating a steep, two-story high custom-built platform in pursuit of “best trick” and “open jam” prizes. Located adjacent to the pier and within a snow industry village, more than 40 tons of fresh snow will fall daily.

AQUAFINA also joins Boardfest as the Official Water and will feature the latest addition to the AQUAFINA family—AQUAFINA ALIVE. In addition to an AQUAFINA kiosk and misting tent, Boardfest spectators and participants will receive product samples. A partnership with KTLA/the CW Network will include advertorial/editorial and a retail component (TBD).

In just three short years Boardfest has grown from a local festival with limited appeal to a regional event with national & international impact. Popular among tweens, teens and young adults of both sexes, more than 100,000 spectators attended Boardfest ’06, most staying in the venue an average of two hours or more.

Offering myriad sponsorship, sampling and mobile marketing opportunities, Boardfest’s oceanfront location boasts top-notch amenities with world-class retailers, restaurants and resorts within walking distance. Other Boardfest partners/sponsors include KTLA/the CW network and Mountain High.

Boardfest is produced by MKM, a Huntington Beach-based firm that specializes in non-traditional public relations, experiential marketing and special event production. For nearly 20 years, MKM has promoted world-class sporting events, music festivals, athletes, products and brands. Clients include IMG, TOMY, USA Water Polo, Reactor Watches and The Buddy Group.

New Jeep Ad Campaign: Have Fun Out There

Chrysler Group announced a new tagline for the Jeep brand - here's the press release:

The Jeep® brand announced today it is launching a new brand advertising campaign on July 1 that will take advantage of the brand's expanded seven-vehicle lineup, its 66-year heritage of 4x4 off-road capability and the inherent joy of driving Jeep vehicles. "Have fun out there. Jeep®" is the new brand advertising tag line.

The new ad campaign is designed to strengthen the already-legendary image of the brand and bring more buyers into the Jeep owner base, one of the most loyal in the industry. While the campaign's primary message is that driving the brand's sport-utility vehicles provides a unique-to-Jeep fun, it will also emphasize that, with an expanded lineup of seven Jeep vehicles, "Now there's a Jeep vehicle for you," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing & Global Communications.

Jeep Compass Rallye Now Available

New Rallye Package from Mopar® Is Available for 2007 Jeep® Compass

• Rallye Package outfits Jeep® Compass from head to toe with cool exterior accents
  
  
• Mopar® Body kit adds Rallye car toughness to athletic Jeep Compass styling
  
  
• Rallye Package available on Jeep Compass models sold in United States and international markets
  

The Jeep® brand continues its expansion into new territory and into the world of rallye car toughness with a new body kit from Mopar®. For a limited time, a new Rallye Package featuring Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar will be available for both 4x2 and 4x4 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models. Mopar is the Chrysler Group's original equipment parts manufacturer.
Arriving in U.S. and international markets in late 2006, the Jeep Compass is an all-new compact sport-utility vehicle that combines classic Jeep cues with contemporary lines. The Mopar Rallye Package takes this sleek style another step, wrapping Jeep Compass' modern design in an aggressive toughness.

'The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass,' said John Plecha, Director – Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. 'It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own.'

• The Jeep Compass Rallye Package – available in Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue – includes:
  
  
• Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
  
  
• Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
  
  
• Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
  
  
• Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass' forceful personality
  
  
• Chrome Rallye badge
  
  
• Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliqués

The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited). Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.

The Jeep Compass Rallye edition debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2006 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jeep Compass competes in the compact sport-utility segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2006 calendar year was 520,045 units, up 34 percent from 387,828 units in 2005. The compact SUV segment is expected to continue to grow to 814,000 units by 2016. This is a great opportunity for the Jeep brand to attract new buyers who want a stylish, fuel-efficient, affordable, safe and capable SUV.

Source - DaimlerChrysler

2007 Jeep King of the Mountain Host Sites Announced

From Official Press Release:

VAIL, Colo. – June 18, 2007 – The Jeep® King of the Mountain Series (www.jeepsports.com) today announced host sites for professional mountain bike racing’s most prestigious event, with the chosen venues offering a decidedly western flavor. Three of the most cycling friendly, talent laden states in the U.S. – Utah, California and Colorado – are set to entertain the top ranked racers in the sport during the 2007 Mountain Biking World Professional Championships.


The Jeep King of the Mountain Series features 16 of the world’s top riders competing head-to-head to capture the coveted title of World Professional Champion. In addition, the athletes will be battling for a share of the richest cash payout in the sport, topping $100,000, and the keys to a new 2008 Jeep vehicle.

World Professional Champions are crowned based on a system of cumulative points earned throughout the Jeep King of the Mountain Series, which will include three races to be held from August to September 2007. This year the event has scheduled races at three highly regarded scenic outdoor havens in the Rocky Mountains and Western U.S., each offering a unique backdrop and world-class recreational facilities:

--Saturday, Aug. 4 – Canyons Resort (Park City, Utah)
--Saturday, Aug. 18 – Madonna Inn (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)
--Saturday, Sept. 1 – Beaver Creek Resort (Beaver Creek, Colo.)

“We are thrilled to bring the Jeep King of the Mountain Series to world-class resorts in Park City, Utah; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; and Beaver Creek, Colo.,” said Henry Schneidman, president of Vail, Colo.-based Eclipse Television & Sports Marketing, producers of the series.

“These sites each offer tremendous facilities, full-season amenities and, most importantly, an avid cycling fan base eager to support this sport and the tremendous athletes we’re able to attract from across the globe.”

In addition to an elite field of pre-qualified national and international professional racers, each event will add two local racers as well as two wildcard participants based on UCI and NORBA standings. Information regarding local and wild-card entry into the Jeep King of the Mountain Series will be available at www.jeepsports.com prior to each race.

This year’s event will again be staged on the innovative Y-Cross racecourse, which combines the two most dramatic and popular forms of mountain bike racing into one unique discipline. Competitors begin the race on separate sides of the course (the prongs of the Y) before converging midway into a single course (the crux of the Y). In the bottom section, racers must navigate a series of banked turns, tabletops, step-down jumps and rollers before the track climaxes with an all-out sprint to the finish. The daredevil racecourse has been described as the ultimate format for mountain bike racing, as the overall winners must have a diverse set of skills to win the coveted title of World Professional Champion.

Select athletes participating in the Jeep King of the Mountain Series will be selected to offer their expertise in the design of the racecourses in Utah, California and Colorado. The “athlete inspired” racecourse design concept proved to be a tremendous success in 2006, with legendary racers Mike King and Brian Lopes helping create some of the most demanding and exciting layouts in event history.

Each race of the 2007 Mountain Biking World Professional
Championships will be televised to a national broadcast audience on CBS Sports, representing the most expansive coverage of professional mountain bike racing in recent history.

Chrysler Sales Up 4% In May .... (only because of Jeep)

From Forbes:

DaimlerChrysler AG said Friday its U.S.-based Chrysler division's May U.S. sales rose on a jump in demand for Jeep brand models.

Overall, DaimlerChrysler sold 221,164 vehicles, up 3.9 percent from 212,882 in May 2006.

Adjusted for one additional selling day this May compared with last, DaimlerChrysler sales fell 0.1 percent.

Chrysler Group sales rose 4.3 percent to 199,393 from 191,261 in May 2006.

Sales of the division's Jeep brand vehicles increased 20 percent, as demand for its Wrangler model more than doubled to 12,332 vehicles. Sales of the brand's new Compass and Patriot models also offset lower demand for its Liberty, Grand Cherokee and Commander models.

To read the rest of the article, click here

Jeep and Miller Lite Promotion

From a Chrysler Group press release:

Miller Lite, with the help of auto-customization guru and MTV's Pimp My Ride host "Mad Mike" Martin, this summer is giving away more than 125 Jeep(R) vehicles, including four that will be custom-designed by consumers via an interactive Miller Lite microsite.



Legal-drinking-age consumers can visit http://millerlite.com/ and in a few easy steps customize a "virtual" Jeep, which Mad Mike will sketch for them while providing witty and lively banter. Consumers can then submit their final custom ride for entry into a sweepstakes to win one of the four custom-designed 2007 Jeep Wrangler Saharas.

"Summer is all about fun, and we think partnering the always-entertaining 'Mad Mike' Martin with Jeep will be exciting for Miller Lite drinkers," said Rob Olejniczak, Miller's promotions director. "We believe it is the perfect combination: Giving consumers of Miller Lite, the ultimate light beer, the opportunity to win a Jeep, the ultimate summer sport-utility vehicle."

In addition to registering for the grand-prize giveaway, consumers can email their custom Jeep design to friends. They also can give Mad Mike a friend's phone number, and he will then leave a voicemail and text message inviting them to participate in the promotion. Once the contest is complete, behind-the-scenes webisodes will keep consumers engaged. Content will include the customization of the four Jeeps, interspersed with exclusive footage and appearances by Mad Mike.

In addition to the four Jeeps given away with Mad Mike's help, Miller Lite will give away 125 other Jeep Wrangler Saharas this summer through various consumer promotions. For more information, log onto http://www.millerlite.com/ or stop by the Miller Lite display at your nearest grocery store or liquor store.

Jeep Patriot Offers Gentex Auto-Dimming Mirror

From a Press Release:

ZEELAND, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 23, 2007 -- Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), the leading supplier of automatic-dimming mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is shipping interior auto-dimming mirrors for the 2007 Jeep Patriot. The Patriot is a compact SUV being sold in North America and other select markets.

Gentex auto-dimming mirrors automatically darken to reduce glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear. The brighter the glare, the darker the mirrors become, making nighttime driving safer.

An auto-dimming base interior mirror is available as part of a "Driver Convenience Group" on the 2007 model year Patriot Limited trim level or with an optional UConnect® Hands-Free Communication system integrated in the Gentex interior mirror. The Sport E trim level offers the same auto-dimming mirror as part of an optional package.

"The Patriot is expected to attract a new group of vehicle buyers to the Jeep brand," said Gentex Senior Vice President, Enoch Jen. "Gentex is excited that Jeep is including our glare elimination and microphone technologies in their expanding product line."

Jeep Compass Rallye Officially Announced

Even though you have been able to "pre-order" the Jeep Compass Rallye... now its available. For a little under $2,000.00, Mopar-branded body kit gives Jeep Compass a more aggressive look with unique wheels, rear spoiler and custom badging. Here is the part of the press release:


“The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass,” said John Plecha, Director – Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. “It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own.”

The Jeep Compass Rallye Package – available in Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue – includes:

* Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
* Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
* Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
* Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass’ forceful personality
* Chrome Rallye badge
* Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliqués

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited). Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.

2008 Jeep Liberty Press Release

2008 Jeep® Liberty – All-new From the Ground Up

* All-new 2008 Jeep® Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage

* Improved on-road ride and handling with new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems

* All-new Jeep classic exterior styling, functional interior space and upgraded amenities designed to broaden its appeal to consumers

* Industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof

The Jeep® Liberty has remained a leader in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market since its introduction in 2002. The popular mid-size SUV gives off-road enthusiasts and owners their own sense of personal freedom and capability that only defines the Jeep brand.

All-new from the ground up for 2008, the Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems – Command-Trac® and the all-new Selec-Trac® II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

The Liberty's exterior has been redesigned, and takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look that is sure to captivate the attention of current Jeep Liberty owners and broaden its consumer appeal. Inside, cargo and storage space increases and seat comfort improves. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof, an industry-exclusive; giving the Jeep Liberty that "Only in a Jeep" open-air experience. Remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's ever-growing list of available features and options. There are two models – Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited.

"The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty stands out from the competition by offering customers classic Jeep design, two four-wheel-drive systems, refined on-road ride and handling, cargo and utility, as well as features that are not typically found on vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group.

The all-new Jeep Liberty is designed to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female. Jeep Liberty owners will balance day-to-day responsibilities with their passion for adventure as well as the outdoors. They are athletic, and pursue activities that combine their various interests with their active lifestyle. The Jeep Liberty will be available at Jeep dealerships starting in the third quarter of 2007.

Engineering
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty offers a balance of off-road capability and on-road refinement.

* All-new independent front suspension, all-new five-link rear suspension, and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty's blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling

* Two four-wheel-drive systems – all-new Selec-Trac II, full-time four-wheel-drive system and Command-Trac, a part-time four-wheel-drive system – both are Jeep Trail Rated

* The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2008 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy has been improved and now achieves an estimated *16 city (18 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), and *22 mpg on the highway (23 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards).

* Two transmissions are offered on the Jeep Liberty in the United States: a six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission

* The 2008 Jeep Liberty was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new products

Design
In its first redesign since its introduction, the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty embraces its roots by taking on a more rugged, classic Jeep design that is guaranteed to strengthen its draw to current owners and broaden its appeal to a new audience.

* Jeep classic exterior styling and functional interior space are designed to broaden its consumer appeal

* Industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof brings "Only in a Jeep" open-air experience to mid-size SUV market

* Cargo capacity increases and front and rear passengers will notice the improved seat comfort along with added space


Safety and Security
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes, rain sensing wipers, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and side-curtain air bags.

Technology
The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System™ a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on traffic conditions. All of these functions can be controlled through voice commands and by utilizing a touch screen.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides U.S. customers with 130 channels, including 100 percent commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. And the UConnect® hands-free communication system uses Bluetooth® technology to provide wireless communication between the customer's compatible mobile phone and the vehicle's on-board receiver.

Manufacturing
The 2008 Jeep Liberty will be built using Chrysler Group's modern production process, called the Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS). FMS allows multiple products to be produced at one plant in a time-efficient manner that are a higher quality for lower cost. At the core of the new manufacturing process is the heavy use of robots at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant.

Camp Jeep Gets Tim McGraw

From a Chrysler press release:

On the heels of announcing its sponsorship of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Soul2Soul Tour 2007,” the Jeep® brand confirmed today that McGraw will play a special concert at Camp Jeep on July 26 at the Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County, Va., near Charlottesville.

Camp Jeep 2007, the brand’s annual “owner only” three-day mix of off-road driving and other family-friendly outdoor activities, will be held July 26-28.

Chrysler First To Offer Sirius Backseat TV

SIRIUS Backseat TV™ will be offered exclusively in 2008 Model Year Chrysler Group vehicles Debuts on all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, including the Jeep Commander and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Three channels of live, family TV programming from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network delivered directly to the vehicle Builds on Chrysler Group's innovative technology leadership, which includes MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, Swivel 'n Go™ seat system, Chill Zone™ cooled beverage storage bin, heated and cooled cup holder, articulating liftgate speakers, LOAD 'N GO™ slide-out cargo load floor and removable/rechargeable cargo light.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

New York, Mar 29, 2007 - Chrysler Group and SIRIUS Satellite Radio announced today that Chrysler Group will be the exclusive auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV™ in its vehicle lineup in the 2008 model year.
For the first time, live TV programming from the most trusted brands in family entertainment-Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network-will be available through SIRIUS Backseat TV in select 2008 model Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles, beginning with the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.

"Chrysler Group is committed to offering innovative technologies that are right for our customers," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. "SIRIUS Backseat TV makes its world debut in Chrysler Group's all-new 2008 minivans, combining with innovative features that include a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, and our unique Swivel 'n Go™ seat system, offering more options for families on the go. No one else in the marketplace offers their customers this combination of innovative technology."

SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children's TV featuring many of the most well-known kids' programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Disney Channel's "Cory in the House," and Cartoon Network's "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends."

SIRIUS Backseat TV will also be available on the 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen(s). For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $470, which includes the first year of service, when packaged with Chrysler Group's Rear Seat Entertainment System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. After the first year, SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for $7 per month when packaged with SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($12.95 per month).

"This innovative entertainment offering from SIRIUS adds to the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan's long list of leading amenities for today's busy families," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Marketing. "Along with a dual DVD system that plays different media at the same time, pinpoint LED lighting to read by, a table to play games or finish homework, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, power-sliding doors and liftgate, YES Essentials® cloth seats, Swivel 'n Go seating and our exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and storage system, Chrysler Group's minivans offer something every member of the family will enjoy during their journey."

Jeep Teams Up With Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

From Press Release:

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 7

One of country music's most celebrated love stories began with a date in a Jeep®. So when reigning first couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were looking for a sponsor for their Soul2Soul Tour 2007, the Jeep brand was an obvious choice.

During a press conference today at the Country Music Hall of Fame with McGraw and Hill, the Jeep brand announced that it will be the official presenting sponsor of their new North American tour, "Jeep presents Soul2Soul Tour 2007." The 33-concert tour will kick off in Omaha, Neb., on June 6 and will conclude in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 10.

McGraw and Hill explained the story of the "date Jeep." "In 1996 in State College, Penn., we were doing a show together. We took a ride in a borrowed Jeep and that's where we decided that we were going to be together and build a life together," said Hill during the press conference.

"Faith tracked down that Jeep and gave it to me for my birthday a couple of years ago," said McGraw.

"Tim and Faith have a story about how the Jeep brand has been part of their lives that's not unlike the thousands of stories we hear every year from Jeep owners all over the world," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "As members of our Jeep family, it made perfect sense to blend our brands into a mutually beneficial partnership. We are very pleased to be associated with these two very talented artists who reach a broad audience much like the seven vehicles in the Jeep lineup."

Soul2Soul II made the history books as country music's highest grossing tour ever and was named Pollstar Magazine's "Major Tour of 2006," beating out nominees Madonna, Roger Waters, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Rolling Stones.

In addition to Jeep signage at every concert venue, McGraw and Hill's "Date Jeep," a red 1978 CJ-6, will travel with the tour along with a special "Soul2Soul" 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. While still in development, the next phases of the partnership will include online activities, special events and product placement.

Jeep Patriot - Unmistakenly Jeep!

From a Chrysler Group press release:

No doubt about it. Strong and capable, the all-new 2007 Jeep Patriot is unmistakably Jeep, designed to appeal to compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) buyers who want classic Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability. Jeep Patriot is rugged, exuding the brand's key attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure, while offering excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value.

"Simple yet distinctive geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot's timeless proportions," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "Combined, these features give Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image."