Jeep Becomes America's Best-Selling Truck-Only Brand

CONCORD, N.H. (01/17/2012)(readMedia)-- To say that Jeep had a successful sales year in 2011 would be a bit of an understatement. The SUV manufacturer sold 128,211 more vehicles in 2011 than it did in 2010, passing GMC as America's best-selling truck-only brand for the first time since 2006. The big sales year was fueled by recently revised models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which saw a 51-percent sales increase at Jeep dealerships compared to 2010.

U.S. Jeep sales totaled 419,349 units in 2011, posting a 44-percent increase compared with 2010. Contributing to that rapid sales increase was a popular new Pentastar V6 engine, which produces 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The advanced engine is not only powerful, but fuel efficient compared to past engines with similar strength.

"Fuel efficiency is a big part of the equation for many people looking at buying a new vehicle, whether it's a compact car or a capable SUV like the Grand Cherokee," said Brian Duval, general manager of Concord, New Hampshire Jeep dealership Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. "The fact that Jeep was able to simultaneously increase power and fuel economy with the Pentastar V6 was a big sales draw in 2011, and we think that trend will continue."

Returning 23 mpg on the highway, the new Grand Cherokee can go more than 500 miles on a single tank, meaning it has the potential to drive the length of New Hampshire twice with miles to spare before stopping for gas. Even with that convenience, V6-equipped models can still tow up to 5,000 pounds, a number that expands to 7,400 pounds with the optional 5.7-liter V8.

The Grand Cherokee's fuel-economy and towing capabilities should get another lift in 2013 with the return of a diesel engine option. Jeep previously offered a diesel V6-powered Grand Cherokee in 2008 with 215 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, but details about the new powerplant have yet to be released.

Along with its plans to bring diesels back to the lineup, Jeep recently announced the addition of yet another production shift at the Detroit assembly plant that produces the Grand Cherokee. Starting next year, the third shift will create 1,100 jobs, increasing production capacity to help meet demand.

"With the popularity of the Grand Cherokee growing so fast, Jeep is both making sure it has the capacity to deliver enough units to dealers and that its lineup is diverse enough to meet a variety of customer needs," Duval noted. "Diesel engines are known for producing a lot of useful torque, which is great for those that do a lot of towing, hauling and off-roading. The diesel option should be a big seller with New Hampshire Jeep fans."

While the Jeep Wrangler also received the Pentastar V6 for the 2012 model year, there have been no signs yet that the iconic off-roader will get a diesel engine as well. Still, buyers seem more than happy with the new gasoline-powered V6, snapping up 122,460 Wranglers in 2011 for a 30-percent increase compared with 2010.

About Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

New Hampshire Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram customers come to Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for unmatched attention to detail, whether they are searching for a new or used Jeep, financing a new Chrysler sedan, or looking for Dodge service and parts for a crossover, SUV or pickup truck. Their knowledgeable sales team can help you find the right car at the right price, while their parts and service specialists get you back on the road quickly and effectively. Put them to work for you by visiting www.bobmariano.com, calling 603-228-1345 or stopping by their dealership at 146 Manchester Street in Concord, N.H. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BobMarianoChrysler.