All-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Captures 2011 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility

CHICAGO, Feb 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Prestigious award the latest in a growing list of accolades for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers ultimate combination of real-world capability and on-road refinement

The all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has earned MotorWeek's respected Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility.

Every year for the last 30 years, MotorWeek has reviewed the state of the automotive business, and judged the best new trucks of the year. The annual Drivers' Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer's point of view. Scoring takes into account trends, innovations, value and reliability to produce a list of winners that makes sense and can be used as a practical guide for car shopping.

"We are delighted that the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice Award," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our new Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a tremendous success in the marketplace since its introduction last summer, as it delivers a one-of-a-kind combination of premium driving dynamics and refinement, legendary capability, efficiency, innovation and craftsmanship. We are grateful to MotorWeek – and to our customers – for recognizing these attributes."

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to be a success in the marketplace. Grand Cherokee sales were up 130 percent in January versus the same time last year, contributing the Jeep brand's overall 47 percent U.S. sales improvement in that same time period.

The MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility is the latest in a list of awards the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has recently captured. Other accolades include:

• Consumers Digest "Best Buy"
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick"
• Four Wheeler magazine's "Four Wheeler of the Year"
• Detroit News "Truck of the Year"
• AutoWeek "Best of the Best 2011 Truck award"
• Urban Truck of the Year
• Internet Truck of the Year
• Popular Mechanics "Automotive Excellence Award for Off-Road Ability"
• Texas Auto Writers Association "SUV of Texas"
• Texas Auto Writers Association "Full-size SUV of Texas"
• Ruedas ESPN "Best SUV"

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and delivers the ultimate combination of Jeep 4x4 capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. Capability features include a choice of three 4x4 systems, a new Jeep Selec-Terrain™ system and a new Jeep Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers improved fuel economy (up to 23 mpg) and a driving range of more than 500 miles, courtesy of Chrysler Group's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee's unique combination also includes a stunning new design, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.

Jeep Brand

Built on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America - and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC