* Breakthrough Jeep(R) vehicle conquers all-new territory * Jeep
Compass' modern, urban design appeals to new Jeep buyers * Interior
features utility, flexibility and loads of cool innovations * Value
abounds with outstanding fuel economy and long list of standard
safety features DETROIT, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
Jeep(R) brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new 2007
Jeep Compass -- a modern-styled Jeep vehicle that delivers fun,
freedom, utility and Jeep 4x4 capability. Jeep Compass also
provides exceptional fuel economy, a long list of safety features
and interior flexibility, all at a great value. Based on the Jeep
Compass concept first introduced at the 2005 International Motor
Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Compass is an all- new
product that combines the packaging and functionality of a
sport-utility vehicle (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. Jeep Compass will be available in
both front- and four-wheel drive. "Compact and nimble, Jeep Compass
brings a new sense of adventure, performance, fuel-economy and
value not expected in a compact SUV," said Jeff Bell, Vice
President - Jeep, Chrysler Group. "With Compass, Jeep continues to
grow by offering a modern-styled Jeep designed to reach consumers
who may not have previously considered the brand. Jeep Compass
provides 4x4 confidence, brand cachet and the inspiring sense of
excitement and adventure that only Jeep can offer," Bell added. The
2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models will be available
in U.S. dealerships and global volume markets in the third quarter
of 2006. Conquering New Territory 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 for the 2004
calendar year was 297,000 units or 1.7 percent of the market. The
compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to 568,000 units
by 2010 and almost triple to 814,000 units by 2016. With the
all-new Jeep Compass, Jeep is targeting single or recently married
educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s, who are
independent and family-oriented. These buyers skew female and earn
a median income of $60,000. Fifty percent are college educated.
Upscale, fashionable and refined items fit their lifestyle. They
want a sophisticated and modern vehicle that allows them to break
from the routine, and Jeep Compass is designed and engineered to
exceed those needs. A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Jeep
Styling Sleek and sophisticated, the Jeep Compass broadens the
global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may
not have previously considered the brand. "The Jeep Compass is an
all-new design statement for Jeep," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice
President - Design. "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," Creed added. The Jeep Compass features the brand's signature
seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings.
However, 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. Jeep Utility Built Inside and Out Jeep
Compass' flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more
in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the-road
seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Compass
has 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room, 52.5 cubic feet of cargo
space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo
space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded
flat. In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep
Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that
add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:
* Standard side-curtain air bags * Available Boston Acoustics
premium sound system 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 *
Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which
is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out
of the bezel to serve as a flashlight * A sliding center armrest
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 * Available 110-volt outlet in the center console powers
small electronics * Available fold-flat front passenger seat
creates a table-like surface for versatility * Available 60/40 rear
seats both fold flat and recline 12 degrees * Vinyl load floor in
the rear cargo area is both washable and removable * YES
Essentials(R) fabric -- an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-
microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and
discoloration World-class Engineering The 2007 Jeep Compass'
powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance, fuel
economy and refinement. Compass features a standard 172-horsepower
2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on
both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque
curve at all speeds. This World Engine produces more power, better
fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without
dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on
vehicles sold in the United States in this price class. Jeep
Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an
available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a
second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for
pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an available
AutoStick(R) feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for
manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2
contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 percent compared
with a traditional 4-speed automatic. A 2.0-liter turbo diesel
engine will be available for markets outside North America. Jeep
4x4 Capability and Safety Jeep Compass will offer customers the
confidence and assurance that comes with Jeep 4x4 capability.
Compass' available active, full-time 4x4 system is recommended for
daily use, including driving in snow and rain. The four-wheel-drive
"Lock" mode is recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other
low-traction surfaces. Jeep Compass also shows that capability and
safety go hand in hand. Both the standard full-time and "Lock"
modes include many standard safety features including: Brake
Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode Electronic Stability
Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-
lock brakes with rough-road detection. Compass' standard four-wheel
anti-lock brakes provide an excellent 60-0 mph dry pavement
stopping distance of 125 ft. Added Jeep capability is evident from
Compass' 8-inches of ground clearance, 21.1-degree approach angle,
32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. Compass
features standard 17-inch wheels and all-season touring tires and
available 18-inch wheels and all-season performance tires. Jeep
Compass Model Line-up The newest Jeep will be available in both
Compass and Compass Limited models. Both are available with
front-wheel and four-wheel-drive capability. The Jeep Compass
includes a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled
with a five-speed manual transaxle. Other standard equipment
includes: standard side-curtain air bags, ESP, traction control,
ABS, a fold-flat vinyl load floor, AM/FM CD radio with an auxiliary
audio input jack, cloth seats, 12-volt power outlet, manual
windows, locks, and foldaway mirrors, silver interior bezels and
door arm rests, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, floor
mats and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3
inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a
unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.
Additional exterior standard features include fog lamps, body-color
grille and fascias, body-color bodyside molding, black door
handles, accent-color liftgate applique and 17-inch aluminum wheels
and touring tires. Optional features on Jeep Compass include
four-wheel-drive capability, a second-generation CVT2, seat-mounted
side air bags, heated cloth or leather seats, AM/FM radio with
six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, flexible 60/40
split-fold rear seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, air conditioning,
power group (which includes driver one-touch power windows, power
locks, Remote Keyless Entry and power mirrors), deep-tinted glass,
security alarm, trailer tow prep package, daytime running lamps,
17-inch all- terrain OWL tires, a full-size spare tire, engine
block heater, 110-volt outlet in the center console, a removable,
rechargeable interior lamp, fold- flat passenger seat, tonneau
cover, speed control, full-size spare tire, map lights, manual seat
height adjuster, 60/40 rear seats that both fold flat and recline,
passenger assist handles and illuminated entry, YES Essentials(R)
fabric -- an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile
that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration, a Driver
Convenience Group (which includes tire pressure monitor and
electrochromic mirror), Leather Interior Group (which includes
leather seats, manual lumbar, leather steering wheel with radio
controls, heated seats and floor mats), UConnect(TM) hands-free
communication system and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium
sound system that features two articulating speakers packaged in
the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing
down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other
activities. The Jeep Compass Limited also is available in both
front-wheel and four- wheel drive and features a standard
172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed
manual transaxle or an optional CVT2. In addition to the standard
features on the Jeep Compass model, the Limited model features
bright front and rear fascia overlays, bright side moldings,
18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Leather Interior Group and
heated seats. Beyond those offered on the Jeep Compass model,
available options on the Jeep Compass Limited model include:
18-inch chrome clad wheels, sunroof, Driver Convenience Group
(which includes compass and temperature gauge, tire pressure
monitor and electrochromic mirror), AutoStick and body-color
bodyside molding. All 2007 Jeep Compass models will be available in
Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno
Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic
Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and
Stone White Clear Coat. All models feature a two-tone interior
color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or
Pastel Pebble Beige. 2007 Jeep Compass Production Production of the
2007 Jeep Compass begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly
refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172-
horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powers the Compass is built
in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA)
plant in Dundee, Michigan. Jeep Brand The heroic heritage of Jeep
and its dominance of the sport-utility market stretch back more
than 65 years. Jeep is known worldwide for its core attributes of
mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure. The Jeep Compass,
with excellent fuel efficiency, an affordable price and proven Jeep
capability, provides an opportunity to expand the brand and attract
new buyers around the world. Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
(GEMA) The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder
engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Michigan, delivering an
exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and
performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp.,
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Company. By optimizing
the three joint venture partners' strengths, global economies of
scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA
aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.
DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kristin Starnes,
+1-248-512-0889, , or Beth Ann Bayus, +1-248-512-0350, , both of
Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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