New Year Brings Host of New Awards and Accolades to Jeep® Brand and its Hot-selling Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• 10 new Jeep awards in first two weeks of year
• Jeep brand vehicle sales up 44 percent for 2011 in U.S.; 41 percent globally
• All Jeep vehicles' sales rise at least 30 percent for year in U.S.
• December best Jeep sales month since 2007
• New Jeep Grand Cherokee already most awarded SUV ever

Just two weeks into 2012 and the Jeep brand and its most recognized vehicles – the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler – have already captured 10 new awards and accolades.

The recognition comes on the heels of Jeep's U.S. sales rising 44 percent in 2011 – with each Jeep model up more than 30 percent – while industry sales rose 11 percent.

"2011 marked the first full year of sales for the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee and refreshed Liberty and Patriot models, as well as the introduction of a new Compass and new, more fuel-efficient Jeep Wrangler," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Consumers are clearly recognizing our new, improved Jeep lineup – and an array of awards both last year and already this year make it clear that industry opinion leaders are, too.

"The awards we have received from these media and industry influencers are a huge testament to the Jeep brand and its vehicles, and I am grateful for each and every one of them," Manley added. "And without question, the most important recognition we receive occurs when our customers vote with their checkbook. For Jeep to be recognized as the brand with the largest increase in customer loyalty is fantastic. My thanks go out to all of our Jeep customers for their business."

Already in 2012, Jeep has been recognized with the following:

• Autobytel 2012 SUV of the Year: Jeep® Wrangler
• Overland Journal 2011 SUV of the Year – North America: Jeep Wrangler
• U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars for the Money – Off-Road SUV: Jeep Wrangler
• Cars.com's Play Car of the Year (Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers categories): Jeep Wrangler
• The Fast Lane Car's (TFLCar.com) Top-10 2012 Most Fun to Drive Cars: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, Convertible Under $40,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Consumer Guide Recommended Buy : Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – Most Improved Loyalty to Make: Jeep Brand

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 N*m) 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.

Jeep Wrangler recently received two significant awards from the industry's leading off-road enthusiast publication: Four Wheeler of the Year from Four Wheeler magazine, and 4x4 of the Year from Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The all-new-for-2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee captured more than 30 awards, making it the most-awarded SUV ever. Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 miles per gallon), a driving range of more than 550 miles, superb on-road ride and handling, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.

Contributing to Grand Cherokee's class-leading capability is the combination of Jeep's Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system and the Jeep Selec-Terrain™ traction control system that lets customers choose the 4x4 setting for the optimum driving experience on all terrains.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three 4x4 systems, and with either V-6 or V-8 powertrains.

Jeep Brand

Built on more than 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 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