All-new 2007 Jeep® Wrangler Earns Trio of Awards

Automotive Magazines Recognize Wrangler Rubicon for Capability, Refinement

• Wrangler Rubicon wins 4-Wheel & Off-Road’s 2007 4x4 of the Year competition
• Four Wheeler names Wrangler Rubicon 2007 Four Wheeler of the Year
• Wrangler Unlimited recognized by Popular Science as a 19th Annual “Best of What’s New”

Chrysler Group’s all-new 2007 Jeep_® Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited have notched a trio of prestigious national awards within two weeks — the latest recognition in Jeep Wrangler’s 65-year storied history.

“These awards are a testament not only to the combination of rugged capability and refinement of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, but also to the talent and dedication of the people who created them,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team, Chrysler Group. “We’re very proud to have been recognized with not one, but three of the most prestigious awards in our business.”

On Oct. 31, 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine announced that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ranked tops among eight competitors for 4x4 of the Year, using a 1,000-mile test of each vehicle’s suspension, engine, transmission and transfer case. Consideration was also given to style and creature comforts. 2007 marked the magazine’s 25^th annual evaluation for 4x4 of the Year. This was the 11^th time that a Jeep vehicle has won the award.

On Nov. 1, Four Wheeler magazine named the Wrangler Rubicon winner of the Four Wheeler of the Year award for 2007, besting a field of seven new sport-utility vehicles. The week-long competition incorporated a 1,000-mile test drive on city streets, gravel roads, desert dunes and rocky trails at elevations ranging from sea level to 7,000 feet. Test criteria measured on- and off-road performance, interior refinements, safety features and exterior fit and finish. The magazine’s Four Wheeler of the Year competition has been held annually since 1974.

This week, Popular Science magazine named the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as one of only 10 automotive winners in the “Best of What’s New” for 2007. Every year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and technologies, narrowing its focus to the 100 most impressive advancements in 10 categories, including gadgets, computing, engineering, recreation and automotive.

More information about the competitions and awards will be available in the February issues of 4-Wheel & Off-Road and Four Wheeler, and the December issue of Popular Science.

Jeep Brand
Overall, sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest total since 2000 to 476,532 units compared with 2004 sales of 427,329 units. Internationally, Jeep brand sales grew 15 percent to 84,019 units in 2005 from 73,060 units in 2004.

Jeep, one of the most recognized brands in the world, is celebrating its 65^th anniversary in 2006. In 1941, the Willys-Overland company delivered to the U.S. Army 1,500 light reconnaissance vehicles called the Willys Quad. Improved vehicles were called the MA and MB, but eventually, those vehicles came to be known simply as the Jeep. More than 368,000 were built for use during World War II.

All-new 2007 Jeep® Compass Grows Brand in a New Direction

The Jeep_® brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass — an all-new Jeep vehicle that delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency (30 mpg) and Jeep 4x4 capability at a terrific value. With Compass’ starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,985 (including a $560 destination charge), Jeep continues to grow by offering a modern-styled sport-utility vehicle (SUV) designed to reach consumers who may not have previously considered the brand.

Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV 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 was 368,000 in 2005, up from 297,000 units in 2004. The compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to 568,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to 814,000 units by 2016.

Compact and nimble, Jeep Compass brings a new sense of adventure to the compact SUV market, combining the packaging and functionality of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Compass is the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. The two-wheel-drive model equipped with the 2.4-liter World Engine and five-speed manual transaxle achieves 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

In addition to its standard front-wheel-drive configuration, Jeep Compass also has an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode called Freedom Drive I™. This four-wheel-drive system features a lockable center coupling, giving Jeep Compass drivers the ability to handle rough weather conditions and low-traction surfaces.

Side-curtain air bags, Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with rough-road detection are all standard on the 2007 Jeep Compass.

DESIGN

“The Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep that is modern, stylish and refined but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name.”

The 2007 Jeep Compass is a modern interpretation of Jeep styling. Sleek and sophisticated, the Compass features the Jeep brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. There also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles. The all-new silhouette — with a steeply raked windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia — gives the Jeep Compass its modern, yet capable appearance. The Jeep Compass’ side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and available 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass’ dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication.

ENGINEERING

“Jeep Compass’ available Freedom Drive I active, full-time 4x4 system features all-new only-in-a-Jeep technology,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “This new 4x4 system gives drivers the ability to put the Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.”

Jeep Compass will offer customers the confidence and assurance that comes with Jeep 4x4 capability. In addition to its standard front-wheel-drive configuration, Jeep Compass has an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode called Freedom Drive, which gives drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain.

Added Jeep capability is evident from Compass’ 8.5 inches of ground clearance, 21.1-degree approach angle, 32.1-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle with the available 17-inch all-terrain tires.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Breakthrough Jeep conquers all-new territory

• Jeep Compass is a fun-to-drive compact Jeep 4x4 that delivers fun, freedom, utility and capability, excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and standard safety features — all at a great value
• Jeep Compass is an all-new product that combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup
• Jeep Compass features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT) and an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2). A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine coupled with a six-speed manual transaxle also will be available for markets outside North America
• Compact and nimble, Jeep Compass is the right size for world markets

Modern, urban design appeals to a new class of entry-level Jeep buyers

• Jeep Compass is a modern-styled Jeep that broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by targeting new buyers who previously may not have considered the brand
• Jeep Compass offers the credibility and prestige of the Jeep brand

Cool, clever innovations abound

• Jeep Compass offers many innovative interior features and flexibility including:
  • Standard side-curtain air bags
  • Flexible 60/40 split, fold-flat rear seats with available recline featureo Available front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility
  • Available 115-volt power outlet in the center console that can power small electronics
  • UltraFloor™ durable vinyl load floor is removable and washable
  • An available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior lamp that is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
  • Nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
  • Sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
  • YES Essentials® stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric

Value for the money — excellent fuel economy, high-level of standard safety features that include:

• Side-curtain air bags
• ESP
• Brake Traction Control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Roll Mitigation

2007 Dodge Caliber Earns Top Safety Ratings in Government Crash Tests

• Caliber Becomes 12th Consecutive New Chrysler Group Vehicle to Receive Five Stars for Frontal Crash Protection
• Caliber Also Earns Top Rating for Side-Impact Protection

The 2007 Dodge Caliber has received the government’s highest ratings for side- and frontal-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Dodge Caliber’s five-star rating for frontal crash protection makes it the 12th consecutive new product from Chrysler Group to achieve the top safety rating in the government's frontal crash tests.

In addition, Caliber received the government’s highest crash ratings for protecting the driver and rear passenger in a side impact.

Dodge Caliber is equipped with many safety and security technologies including high-strength steel structure, all-wheel-drive capability, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control, standard advanced multistage driver and front passenger air bags, standard side-curtain airbags, and a standard driver’s side inflatable knee blocker.

Starting with the Pacifica in 2003, Chrysler Group has recorded five stars for frontal crash protection for 12 consecutive new product launches. These vehicles include: Pacifica, Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Ram Quad, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Dakota, Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Jeep® Commander, and Dodge Caliber.