pulled from the members side... March 10, 2006
"I was fortunate today at work. I did an event for Chrysler Canada where the CEO and top exectives met with the dealers to discuss the company forecasta nd new 2007 product lines. I learned a thing or two that all the Jeep nuts would be interested in.
First off, the product line has really split in two between traditional and modern lines. TJ, TJ unlimited, Patriot, Commander make up the traditional line while Compass, Liberty, and Grand Cherokee make up the modern line. While this is not news to most of you, there are a few new names in the lineup.
Most excitingly with the 2007 TJ lineup is an unlimited 4 door version that looks very very traditional. Looks like a '07 TJ with 4 doors and the new 3 piece modular hardtop. 3 times the storage space over a conventional TJ. Might even be able to sleep in the back! I saw pictures and I'd say it looks good. Pricing nearing $30k for the unlimited 4door. TJ still between $20k-$30k depending on build. Factory build date starts early July 20006. Only 7000 units in the first year. 2007 will be a Half year production run. Similar to what happend in '96/'97.
Speaking of TJ. Chrysler Canada has finnaly won it's battle with GM over the Wrangler namesake. The marketing director wanted to know if it should bring the wrangler name to Canada. I personally told her not to What do you all think?
Patriot is a smaller version of the Commander. Think of the difference between a H2 and a H3. Looks promising.
Commander isn't doing too well in sales, so if you are looking at buying one, hold off. There should be some significant promotions comming soon.
On the other side of the fence... Compass will be comming out for 2007 lineup. It signals Jeep's first venture into a FWD mini-ute. It does have a AWD system. It's main competition is the Rav4, Hyundai SantaFe markets. It definately has a liberty-ish styling. Reminds me of a Ford Focus meeting a Liberty. The thing looks like an abomination. Pricepoint is the main attraction with it starting under $20k. Has a nifty sound system attached the rear hatch. Imagine a fold down soundbar that is only funtional when the rear hatch is open. some 460 watts and 9 speakers for the total sound system. They'll need more than sound to sell this vehicle tho. Just plain ugly.
On a Liberty note, after 2007 model year, body will be redefined and be more angular-like. Also, the new Dodge Nitro will be built from Liberty powertrain and chassis. Sorta a medium sized sport-ute. Lots of cargo room with a nifty sliding cargo bed/tray for easy loading and unloading.
News on the Deisel front. Chrysler has built a new plant to built specifically small desiel engines. They are specifing 1.7L-2.4L for use across the chrysler lineup with a 2.4L planned for a 2008 Cherokee and Grand Chrokee. Aparantly Canada has the dirtiest deisel in the world, and of that, Alberta has the worst in Canada. Chrysler is lobbying gas producers to clean up thier fuel so they can harbour in the deisel era for consumer vehicles. "
Topic: New Jeep Family Member (Read 2503 times)