The Jeep Wrangler now comes with fold-down windshield and removable and convertible tops. The exterior of the new Wrangler was designed with its heritage in mind, said Trevor Creed, senior vice president of Chrysler design. Kerry Ann Griffith, a Wrangler fanatic, is happy to know that the powered features do not prevent hardcore Jeep fans from removing doors for summertime ventures. "I don't care what they do with the Jeep brand so long as they keep the Wrangler traditional," said Griffith, who goes trail riding at least once a month.
"Once people see the new track hawk they're going to be blown away by what this thing looks like and what it can do," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler chief executive officer.
Jeep sales are increased by 11.5 per cent in 2005 and the automaker is eager to further alleviate the sales with its new Compass, the Liberty Diesel and the seven-passenger Commander. "That is a big thumbs up that you can grow Jeep," Bell said.
The Jeep Compass is a crossover sport utility vehicles unveiled for the 2007 model year at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The vehicle uses a 172 horsepower 2.4 liter GEMA I4 gasoline engine for the Australian and European market. Now that the vehicle is modified to cater to a wider market, it comes with loads of promises and surprises. The automaker said the vehicle is engineered to offer more fun, utility, freedom, capability, as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility without compromising affordability. Though, the automaker entertained significant modifications, tested parts like the EBC brake rotors will be retained in the model.
The automaker expects that the 2007 Jeep Compass is designed with an urban flair to appeal to new buyers in the compact SUV segment projected to double to 568,000 units by 2010 and triple to 814,000 by 2016 from 297,000 units in 2004. The Jeep Compass is designed to lure single women and recently married professionals ranging in age from 20s to 40s. The automaker is also targeting an upscale demographic with a median income of $60,000.
