MoJeepin Jeep News

Local retailer gets jolt when jeep crashes through wall

2009-03-26T10:28:00.002-05:00

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

2007-09-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

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

2007-09-17T09:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-06T08:10:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-07-26T08:55:00.000-05:00

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.

2008 Jeep Liberty Pricing Lower Then Outgoing Model

2007-07-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Chrysler's price-slashing continues, with the latest recipient being the redesigned 2008 Jeep Liberty, which arrives bearing a price tag that starts at $20,990 for a Sport 4x2 model and $22,600 for a Sport 4x4 including a $660 destination fee -- $1270 and $1170, respectively, less than the outgoing model. Limited models start at $25,175 and $26,785 -- $720 and $620 lower than before.

The new Liberty receives a redesigned independent suspension up front and a new five-link suspension in the rear, standard side curtain airbags, and an available full-length "Sky Slider" open-canvas roof that provides a taste of the open-top experience offered by the Wrangler. Sky Slider is offered on both Sport and Limited trims as a $1,200 option. Available only on Limited 4x4 models is the Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel drive system that can be used on dry pavement as well as low-traction surfaces.

Powertrain choices remain unchanged, with the 210 horsepower, 235 lb-ft of torque 3.7-liter V-6 and its four-speed automatic soldiering on as the only engine/transmission combo offered.

2008 Jeep Gladiator or is it the JT?

2007-07-18T08:08:00.001-05:00

We recently found an article posted on the net about a 2008 Jeep Gladiator Concept. Oddly enough, there are no pictures of the vehicle, but from the sounds of it ... it seems like it could be referring to the JT Concept... or could it? You decide...

[source: CarJunky]

Jeep pickups in the 60's carried the Gladiator name, however the roots of the vehicle go back to the 50's and the military Jeep Truck. The Gladiator Concept brings a Wrangler front end married to a small cab with an extended 7 foot cargo deck and the visual effect makes this look a neat, small and sturdy addition to the Jeep line.

Powered by a 2.8 liter Liberty power plant, the Gladiator packs all the punch it needs to assert itself on the performance front. What we particularly liked about this automobile is the extended wheel base which runs to 138 inches providing plenty of room for the spare which is side mounted. Four wheel drive is of course fitted as you'd expect, and both front and rear axles are fixed and solid. The rear axle however, uses coil dampers rather having leaf springs fitted as these would not allow for the short overhang to the rear.

The chassis for the Gladiator uses a stretched Dodge Dakota to get the extended wheelbase but the overall visual impact of the automobile remains in proportion. The truck has that angular militaristic luck, no curves and blunt lines but then if you are in the market for beauty you wouldn't be looking at a pickup.

When this becomes available in early 2008 it is going to make an excellent addition to the Jeep range and carries the idea of the Jeep Truck far better than anything else in the Jeep range which seem to be aimed at the suburbanites doing the school run rather than something that will be going off road and getting dirty. The Gladiator looks exactly as you would expect a Jeep to look and in this regard it gets top grade.

The small cab, which has been extended slightly from the Wrangler, has a rear hinged door for access on the passenger side only however on the drivers side the rear site is accessible by a small 2 foot square “dog door”. Given the small cab, the rear passenger accommodation is probably better suited for the mutt rather than people as it is tight and suitable only for small children rather than adults and when you see it you'll probably ask why they bothered at all.

The rear window is powered and can wind down which is a neat feature normally found on a Midgate vehicle but to give you an idea of the rear space available, when the seat squab is tucked down and the rear bulkhead is stowed you only add another foot to the cargo space. It seems a great deal of neat engineering but for little effect.

Overall this is a truck that is going to sell well, it has the looks and the feel of a real Jeep and is a lot more practical for the town than a Hummer, but still will handle off-road as it should. The biggest plus with this vehicle is that hopefully it heralds a return to what a Jeep ought to look like.

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Jeep Puts Group in Driver’s Seat to Mark Milestone

2007-07-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

American Forces Press Service
2007-07-16

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2007 – Jeep is partnering with the New York Mets major league baseball team, a New York television station and New York auto dealers associations to help put both a U.S. servicemember and a support-letter writer each behind the wheel of a new vehicle.

During a Military Appreciation Day pre-game ceremony at Shea Stadium in Queens, N.Y., yesterday, a Tri-State Jeep Dealers Association representative presented Operation Gratitude with symbolic keys to a 2007 Jeep Patriot Limited.

The “keys” went directly into the troop-support group’s 250,000th care package. And the Jeep, donated by the carmaker in celebration of the group’s milestone, will be driven home by a lucky servicemember upon his or her return to the states.

Operation Gratitude is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

“We are proud and humbled to contribute to a great organization like Operation Gratitude that does so much good in support of our troops,” said Eric Neilsen, president of the New York Dealer Association. “The Jeep was originally developed to serve our military, and we are very pleased to be able to continue this tradition in a small way.”

A U.S. Postal Service representative was on hand to make sure the special package made it safely to the military post office at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude’s founder, said.

“The package is very much on its way,” she added. “It left on the 5 p.m. flight last night out of Newark (N.J.) flying next to the pilot the whole way.”

In further support of Operation Gratitude's mission to express the American public’s appreciation, New York’s CW11/WPIX television station, a part of Tribune Broadcasting, the New York Mets baseball team, and Jeep launched a letter-writing campaign that kicked off yesterday.

The campaign will run through Sept. 17, when one lucky writer’s letter will be randomly chosen and sent to Operation Gratitude's 250,000th package recipient. The package recipient and the winning letter-writer both will be announced during a Sept. 30 pre-game ceremony at Shea Stadium in Queens, N.Y., Blashek said.

Though that winning letter will undoubtedly make the servicemember smile, it should also please the letter writer. He or she also will drive home a 2007 Jeep Patriot Limited.

Letters can be submitted through the CW11/WPIX Web site. Each letter received through the site will serve as a contest entry, Blashek said.

During yesterday’s military appreciation event at Shea Stadium, fans also donated “cartons and cartons of items” to Operation Gratitude. The donations, including phone cards, DVDs, CDs, Beanie Babies, disposable cameras, batteries, baseball caps, and lip balm, will find their way into more care packages that will end up in troops’ hands.

“Fan outpouring was great,” Blashek said. “We collected cartons and cartons of items, and the letters are already flowing into the Web site.”

(From Operation Gratitude and New York Mets news releases.)

2008 Jeep Liberty Production Woes

2007-07-16T16:05:00.000-05:00

The redesigned 2008 Jeep Liberty will go into production one week later than planned at the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex.

The new version of the vehicle was scheduled to begin rolling off the assembly line Monday. However, a DaimlerChrysler AG spokesman said changes in the plant for the new model will delay production until July 23.

The plant that builds the Liberty and the Dodge Nitro shut down production July 2, and the plant that builds the Jeep Wrangler closed a week later. Both facilities are expected to resume making vehicles on July 23.

The new Liberty is to be on dealers’ lots by fall.

[source: Toledo Blade]

Jeep Patriot On JD Powers HOT List

2007-07-13T08:51:00.001-05:00

The all new Jeep Patriot is selling like hot cakes. In the latest survey of the hottest selling vehicles by J.D. Power's Power Information Network, the Patriot SUV was the seventh fastest-selling vehicle in the U.S. last month. On average, Jeep dealers kept the Patriot on lots fewer then 20 days, while the industry average is roughly 60. The Patriot tied the Saturn SKY for 7th place, marking its placeholder in the list of 10. For the first time in months, 3 domestic vehicles made the list of 10, which was a big surprise.

It might be tempting to say the Patriot is hot because of incentives. But according to J.D. Power, only 7% of the buyers are taking advantage of the average Patriot incentive ($920), and the retail price on this Jeep is roughly the same ($20,907) as when the SUV went on sale in March.

All of this indicates the Patriot is connecting with buyers for the right reason. It's a good looking SUV with updated interior styling. The Jeep, despite it's problems in recent years, still has cache with buyers. And this summer, the Patriot is on fire.

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Jeep Joins Boardfest!

2007-07-09T11:06:00.000-05:00

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.

2007 Jeep Wrangler Recalled

2007-07-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Chrysler said it was recalling more than 80,000 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro sport-utility vehicles to correct a problem that could make the engine stall, The Associated Press reported.

Chrysler said the recalled vehicles might experience a power interruption, which could lead to a short engine stall (although the engine would immediately restart if the vehicle was in motion).

To affect a fix, dealers will reprogram a power module to remove the potential for a brief interruption of electrical power to the instrument panel and the engine.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the Wrangler last May after receiving reports of engine stalling. Chrysler said the agency has received about 180 complaints of engine stalling in Wrangler and Nitro vehicles.

There has been one accident linked to the issue, the company said, but no injuries have been reported. Chrysler will notify owners about the recall later this week and the work will be completed at no cost to consumers, the AP said.

Soaring Wrangler Sales Anchor Slumping Jeep Division

2007-06-28T08:34:00.001-05:00

DETROIT (AP) -- Apparently, the Jeep Wrangler is rugged -- and capable of hauling an entire division out of the swamp.

The popular two- and four-door sport utility is coming off its best-ever May while buoying a slumping Jeep division beset by declining sales.

According to Autodata Corp., Jeep sold 12,332 Wranglers in May, up 114 percent compared to the same month last year. For the year, 54,699 Wranglers have been sold, an 85 percent increase compared to last year.

Strong Wrangler sales also helped fuel an overall 20 percent May sales increase for Jeep and a 12 percent year-to-date increase compared to last year.

"The Jeep Wrangler is the icon of the brand," said Chrysler Group spokesman Markus Mainka, adding that no incentives have been offered since the vehicle was redesigned and released last September from a retooled Ohio plant.

Based on Autodata figures, the Wrangler accounted for about 29 percent of Jeep's total May vehicle sales and 27 percent of the division's 2007 sales to date. Wrangler's strong showing last month also boosted the Chrysler Group division's market share of U.S. light vehicles from 2.4 percent to 2.7 percent last month.

For 2007, Jeep's market share increased from 2.6 percent to 3.0 percent.

Industry analyst Alex Rosten said redesigning the Wrangler was the key to Jeep's recent success.

"Now they can't make enough of them," said Rosten, an analyst for EdmundsObserver.com. "It's always better to expand existing product lines than create a new one."

But the Wrangler's success contrasts with slumping sales for other Jeep products.

According to Autodata, every other Jeep vehicle for which comparative statistics were available posted negative marks, led by the Liberty's 39 percent sales decline compared with May 2006, and its 28 percent year-to-date decline compared to last year.

Grand Cherokee sales fell 18 percent in May and 20 percent for the year to date, while Jeep Commander sales fell 9.7 percent in May and 10 percent so far this year.

According to Jeep officials, May sales for the Compass totaled 3,735, while 4,505 Patriots were sold. In 2007, Jeep has sold 18,812 Compass models and 10,336 Patriots. Both vehicles are in their first year of production.

"We develop each vehicle to appeal to a different kind of customer," said Chrysler spokesman Dan Bodene.

He said introducing the Compass and Patriot was an attempt to enter new markets by leveraging the company's recognizable nameplate. Bodene said Jeep will work harder to deliver the message about its core products and may offer new incentives.

Rosten said that might not be enough. He said the Grand Cherokee is "too old," while new models like the Compass and Patriot are "too redundant."

"Jeep has shot itself in the foot by releasing the Patriot and the Compass," he said. "By doing so, they have cannibalized other products, like the Liberty."

On Tuesday, Jeep canceled its scheduled announcement of a new advertising campaign developed by Cutwater, a San Francisco-based advertising agency. Chrysler officials said the postponement until later this week was due to a scheduling conflict and had nothing to do with recently released sales numbers.

New Jeep Ad Campaign: Have Fun Out There

2007-06-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-25T10:19:00.001-05:00

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

2007-06-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

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.

2007 Jeep Wrangler Brabus Review

2007-06-18T08:13:00.000-05:00

Legends are immortal and in the automotive world that is especially true for the Jeep. Wrangler, the 'mother' of all off-road vehicles. To customize the latest version of the American 4x4 and to make it even more exclusive STARTECH is developing an innovative and exclusive accessories program - for the short wheelbase and the new long wheelbase version.

In a first step STARTECH offers custom-tailored light-alloy wheels, some initial exterior modifications and exclusive interior options.

The polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels attract attention at first sight. The striking five-spoke wheels lend the new Jeep. Wrangler a more exclusive appearance. But that's not all: Mounted with sporty on- and off-road tires in size 285/50 R 20 front and back they give the SUV even more agile handling characteristics while at the same time improving driving safety.

While the STARTECH design program for the new Wrangler is still under development, the first stainless-steel components will be available shortly. Sturdy tubular side guards for short and long wheelbase models protect the rocker panels of the Jeep and partially hide the Jeep's frame from view. The spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring adds the finishing touch.

The new Wrangler generation for the first time includes a model with diesel engine. The STARTECH motor engineers are currently developing the STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the 2.8-liter (171 cu. in.) common-rail turbodiesel engine.

STARTECH sport exhausts will soon be available for all engine and body variants of the Jeep. The fully stainless-steel exhausts feature one characteristic oval chrome tailpipe each on the right and left, and produce a more sonorous engine sound, while at the same time optimizing power yield.

The interior of the Jeep can also be upgraded stylishly with STARTECH accessories: Highly polished scuff plates welcome driver and passengers, and the ergonomically shaped STARTECH sport steering wheel adds to the ambiance.

Additional customization requests can be fulfilled by the company-own STARTECH upholstery shop. Partial and fully leather interiors made from especially soft yet durable Mastik leather satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.

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Saying Goodbye To The Old Jeep Plant

2007-06-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

From the Toledo Blade:

Smokestacks at the old Jeep plant have a date with a wrecking ball next week, but historic preservationists who sought to save the Toledo landmark have won a partial victory.

Owner DaimlerChrysler AG plans to keep one of the three stacks carrying the name "Overland," which is one of the city's last visible links to the Willys-Overland automotive empire of the early 20th century.

They are visible to motorists on I-75, and are one of Toledo's most recognized landmarks. They are circa 1920 smokestacks.

Demolition of the other two stacks, which are attached to the factory's former power plant, will begin Monday morning. Company officials have invited reporters and elected officials to an event at 10 a.m. in a park at Willys Parkway and Hillcrest Avenue that occupies the site of the factory's former test track.

The firm has provided few details about what will take place, but advised news organizations that it will be their "final chance to capture the three smokestacks together against (the) Toledo skyline."

continued....

The plant had been America's oldest operating car factory, but is now mostly demolished. Production of Jeep Wranglers moved to a new $2.1 billion supplier park nearby.

Also Monday, the company will announce a plan to sell individual bricks from the demolished smokestacks as souvenirs. Proceeds will go to charity.

Katie Zuchowski, a company spokesman in Auburn Hills, Mich., declined to confirm details of the event.

But Steve Katich, staff director for U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D.,Toledo), said he has been told that the company will keep one of the smokestacks.

To read the whole article, click here.

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eBay Auction: 500 hp Viper V-10 powered CJ-7 Jeep

2007-06-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

From the auction:

“You are bidding on one of the worlds most custom jeeps ever built. This is an all aluminum body CJ-7 with a 500 hp Viper V-10 crate motor, 1-ton 5-speed NV-4500 trans, Dyna trac Dana 60 reverse pinion one ton axels with Detroit soft lockers front and rear with 411 gears.

A custom 2″x 4″ tube steel frame buy advanced frame works of California. Atlas twin stick transfer case 4.3 to 1 ratio, Wilwood front and rear disk brakes for stopping when your crusing at 140 mph. Custom Mickey Thompson Beed-lock wheels with 33″ nitto grappler tires. Jeep has a custom 25 Gallon gas tank with skid plate and in the tank electric fuel pump. Jeep has heavy duty power steering and power brakes. Dash is custom with all autometer guages with anodized aluminum bezels. All frame and cage is powder coated, Body has a $12,000.00 custom paint job.

Custom headers and Ron Davis 4 -core radiator to keep it running cool even in Arizona. Jeep has reverse shackels front and duel rancho 8000 gas shocks front and rear. Full 6-point cage with Beard suspension seats and shoulder belts. I am a metal fabricator by trade with over 29 years and a certified welder.

My buddy larry who helped me build it is a nuclear certified welder that worked for Hughes Aircraft and has over 30 years fabrication experience. It took us 1 year to build this Jeep and I spent just over $100,000.00 in parts alone. This Jeep was featured on the cover of JP magazine June 2004 issue with a 4 page article inside.”

Wanna bid?

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2007 Jeep Wranglers Under Investigation

2007-06-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

DaimlerChrysler AG's 2007 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles are being investigated by a U.S. safety agency after reports of engine stalling at highway speeds, Bloomberg News reported.

The probe may affect 35,000 vehicles, including two- and four-door models in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site. The agency said 53 complaints mostly involved highway speeds and included 12 cases with a loss of electrical power and lighting.

Have you had a similar problem with your 2007 Jeep Wrangler? If so, please make sure and get your Jeep to the dealership for service! Discuss this in the MoJeepin Forums.

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

2007-06-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

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 Wrangler Ultimate: SEMA Concept 2

2007-05-24T09:29:00.001-05:00

Not only will the Jeep JT be revealed at the 2007 SEMA show later this year, but so will the Jeep Wrangler Ultimate. Not that the new four-door Wrangler Limited needs any more exposure (demand is currently outsripping supply for the popular configuration), but the Wrangler Limited takes that vehicle and adds some urban flair to make it more eye-catching to the valet crowd.

The Wrangler Ultimate gets the same rock-crawling hardware showcased on the JT Concept, which includes a 3-inch lift kit and 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires, but also gets a set of handsome forged 18-inch aluminum wheels from Alcoa. The Jeep design team decided to dump the entire Mopar catalogue of accessories on the Wrangler Ultimate's exterior, which gets some fancy sparkle and shine from ts chrome fuel filler door, taillamp guards, tubular side steps, exterior mirrors, tow hooks, door handles, hood hinges, and overlays for the front fascia. The Liquid Charcoal Pearl Coat exterior paint color is not available from the factory, either.

The Wrangler Ultimate's interior also gets the show car treatment with seats upholstered in a mesh fabric and trimmed in dark slate gary Nappa/Province leather bound with a heavy black leather baseball stitch. There are additional orange trim pieces on the steering wheel, shift knob and passenger handlebar, while the floor shifter appears to have a wooden trim piece, as well. Again, don't expect the Wrangler Ultimate to be an option package anytime soon, but at least Jeep has proven that you can dress up its weekend warrior.

[Source: Jeep]

For more discussion and photos of the Jeep Wrangler Ultimate, be sure to check out the MoJeepin.com Forums!

"It's More Then Just Jeepin!"

Jeep Patriot Offers Gentex Auto-Dimming Mirror

2007-05-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

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."