Jeep® Wrangler Wins 2012 ALG Residual Value Award for Best Compact Utility Vehicle

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Latest in a string of awards for the new 2012 Jeep® Wrangler
• Jeep Wrangler boasts dramatically improved on-road performance and even more off-road prowess for 2012
• New 3.6-liter V-6 engine improves fuel efficiency up to 21 miles per gallon, with 285 horsepower (40 percent improvement) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent improvement)

The new 2012 Jeep® Wrangler has received the Residual Value Award in the "Compact Utility" category from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data.

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

"The Wrangler is iconic among SUVs, and Jeep has continued to build its status by pairing its famous rock crawling abilities with fresh features, improved powertrain, and a refined interior," said Raj Sundaram for ALG. "Regularly updated editions stoke demand, helping it jump to the top of the Compact Utility segment."

ALG Residual Value Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, pricing and marketing strategies remain the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts.

"We are delighted that ALG has recognized our new Jeep Wrangler with its Residual Value Award," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Consumers continue to aspire to own the unique Jeep Wrangler. By offering Wrangler in two- and four-door models, with a variety of open-air top options and an array of limited-edition models, Wrangler has continued to generate significant demand. With a more fuel efficient and powerful powertrain for 2012, we expect that demand to continue."

The ALG award is the latest in a wave of prestigious awards for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, including Petersen's 4 Wheel & Off-Road's "4x4 Of The Year," the Texas Auto Writers Association's "Mid-Size SUV of Texas," the 2011 SEMA Show's "Hottest 4x4 SUV," Active Lifestyle Vehicle's "Best Value Off-Road," and Kelley Blue Book's "Best Resale Value Awards: 'Top 10' and 'Compact Utility Vehicle.'"

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – becomes even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new five-speed automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award – delivers 285 horsepower (209 kW) and 260 (353 Nm) lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.

Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining legendary, benchmark capability with an interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of a body color hard top for the popular Sahara and Rubicon models.

About ALG (www.alg.com)

Based in Santa Barbara, California, ALG is a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG publishes the "Automotive Lease Guide" – the standard for Residual Value projections in North America, and has been forecasting automotive residual values for over 45 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. ALG is a subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc.

Jeep Brand

Built on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand 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 includes 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