Redesigned 2011 Grand Cherokee Spurs Chrysler Sales Growth

Automaker Leads Domestic Brands in Second-Quarter Sales

BRAINTREE, MASS (08/19/2010)(readMedia)-- Just as soldiers once trusted Jeep to provide safe transport from the battlefield, Chrysler is now looking to Jeep to lead a path to profitability. Jeep sales grew by 19% in July, thanks to strong consumer interest in the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chrysler posted a modest 5% sales gain for the month of July, but, with help from its high-selling Jeep models, finished well ahead of other automakers in domestic sales for the second quarter. Chrysler's U.S. sales in this period grew by 31%, compared with an industry average of 18%, according to Autodata Corp. Sales of pickups and SUVs led Chrysler's year-over-year gains in July, with Jeep Liberty sales up 70% and increases north of 50% for the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.

Massachusetts Jeep enthusiasts have been visiting Quirk Chrysler Jeep in Braintree to get their first look at Jeep's redesigned Grand Cherokee.

"We're seeing so much interest in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee that we're ordering more of them," said Eric Ao, general manager of the Greater Boston Jeep dealership. "The Grand Cherokee has consistently been a top choice for Massachusetts SUV buyers. It offers the handling you need to get through all four New England seasons and the comfort to make any trip enjoyable."

The 2011 Grand Cherokee is the first of 16 new or redesigned vehicles that Chrysler will produce through its new partnership with Fiat. Although the latest model is too new to claim safety ratings or awards, Chrysler expects it to perform well in crash tests and industry benchmarks for value. Early critical response has been positive, with The Boston Globe calling the new SUV a good alternative to the pricier Range Rover.

Among its innovative features, the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an air suspension system that raises the clearance to 10.7 inches for off-road driving, or drops it to 6.6 inches for civilized trips around town. Independent front and rear suspension keep the ride smooth in all conditions, while the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 delivers 290 horsepower and a respectable 23 mpg/highway and 16 mpg/city.

Inside, the 2011 Grand Cherokee gives drivers more control over the elements, thanks to an electronic terrain system that sharpens handling in different conditions, including snow. Higher-quality materials, including available real-wood trim, surround passengers. A longer wheelbase offers more legroom for second-row passengers, who will enjoy the ability to recline in the Grand Cherokee's back seats for the first time.

"This is the most luxurious Jeep we have ever offered. It's perfectly built to compete with luxury SUVs and foreign-made off-road vehicles," Ao said. "As the debut of the new Chrysler-Fiat partnership, it's a strong indicator of the quality and innovation we can expect to see from Chrysler in the coming months."

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, call them at 888-890-6420 or visit their showroom at 280 Quincy Ave, Braintree, MA.