Patriots Run Wild as New England Readies for Autumn

Compact Jeep SUV Doubles August Sales as 2011 Patriot Production Nears

BRAINTREE, MASS. (09/22/2010)(readMedia)-- In August, no Jeep vehicle had a greater year-over-year sales increase than the Jeep Patriot, which saw sales jump 57%. With New England Patriot sales already on the rise, Jeep dealerships across the region are now anticipating even greater demand once the upgraded 2011 model hits showrooms later this year.

Given the Patriot's blend of versatility and fuel economy, Eric Ao, general manager of Boston Jeep dealer Quirk Chrysler Jeep, isn't surprised by the high sales.

"The seasons are changing and, as the mercury drops here in Massachusetts, customers are thinking about the winter snow and the need for a vehicle that can handle it," Ao said. "Unlike other SUVs and 4x4 vehicles, the Patriot won't force its owners to sacrifice fuel efficiency for a solid grip on the road."

Some subtle exterior changes enhance the 2011 Patriot's rugged appearance. At the front of the vehicle there is a new, more aggressive front fascia, headlights with embedded fog lamps and a body-color grille. The new model also has an updated rear fascia, 17-inch wheels and a 4x4 ride height that has grown by an inch.

Inside, the door panels offer new soft-touch materials and padded surfaces to complement new, higher-quality cloth upholstery. Together with a center armrest and new controls on the steering wheel to run everything from music to cruise control, these touches move the Patriot towards the luxury feel of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. To smooth out performance, suspension has been fine-tuned with firmer shock absorbers and springs, as well as a thicker rear sway bar. The calmer ride will appeal to those who want the Patriot for its on-road handling, but veteran Patriot fans may miss the looser, bouncy handling of older models.

However, the 2011 Patriot is far from a city cruiser. Although small for a Jeep, the Patriot is still capable of fording 19 inches of water, and it offers 4x4 features that build on its heritage of performance off the road and in challenging weather. These features include a 19:1 crawl ratio, brake traction control, hill descent control and the ability to shift to 4x4 on the fly. The new Patriot will also retain more than 30 safety features that earned the 2010 model a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

Jeep has yet to announce any changes to the powertrain, making it likely that the 2.4-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing found in the 2010 model will remain under the hood. Customers can expect impressive fuel economy; the 2010 Patriot 4x4 earns a segment-leading 28 mpg highway with a manual transmission.

"For Massachusetts Jeep customers that like to get out and enjoy what this region has to offer across all seasons, the Patriot is the perfect vehicle," said Ao. "We're excited that the 2011 model, with all its upgrades, will be reaching our showroom just in time for winter. The Jeep Patriot means safe, fuel-efficient ski trips to Vermont and New Hampshire, no matter what kind of weather you face."

About Quirk Chrysler Jeep:

A short drive from downtown Boston, Quirk Chrysler Jeep is the place for Boston Chrysler and Jeep drivers to find outstanding customer service, a vast selection of new and pre-owned Jeep and Chrysler vehicles and the financing to make your car ownership dream a reality. Their dedication to their customers has helped them earn a top A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. To see how they can help you own a Chrysler or Jeep, visit their website at http://www.quirkchryslerjeep.com, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/QuirkCars, call them at 888-890-6420 or stop by their showroom at 280 Quincy Ave, Braintree, MA.