I think it would be fair to say that if you asked the average American motorist a few years ago about driving a more fuel efficient car they probably would have politely backed away from you as if you were slightly mad. I recall visiting the USA a few years ago and being dumbfounded by the cheap cost of fuel especially as it was priced in gallons. This practice was abandoned long ago in the UK partly due to the European Union but also I think to hide the true cost, after all despite the metric system most people still refer to how many ‘miles per gallon’ they get from their car.

It’s pretty startling how things have changed in the last few years, when I read motoring articles from the USA nearly all have some reference to high gas prices or how to save money by using alternative fuels. Some people seem to be experimenting with all kinds of things often resulting in blowing up their engines as a result. One thing which seems certain is despite the occasional fluctuation in price the days of cheap motoring for all are set to be a thing of the past.

Until recently the manufacturers of less fuel efficient cars have been able to confidently sit back and raise two fingers to the traditional environmentalists who have been arguing against recreational off-road vehicles for a number of years, regarding them as a harmless but irritating group of misguided hippies. Now as with any evolutionary process it’s a case of adapt or die and Jeep are determined to evolve.

I recall a few years back I used to catch the bus to work which although took twice as long as driving and meant a long walk at the other end I felt happy in the knowledge that I was not contributing to the chronic congestion which blighted my city. Most days the commute was fairly uneventful and I could hide in a book or turn up my music if some mad person insisted on sitting next to me and then started to ask if I liked sponge cake or saying something like “nice weather for ducks”.

Occasionally the bus would simply not turn up and just as I was despairing, my saviour would arrive in the form of a green Jeep Cherokee driven by someone I used to work with. “Morning JB want a lift” he would say and to the envy of the large crowd at the bus stop I would proudly jump in and we would roar away albeit with some cringe worthy music blaring out but you can’t have everything.

These were heady days and I would listen to my friend tell me quite proudly “just had a service done, cost me £500!” Blimey what’s the fuel consumption like I said, “Well I get at least 30mpg if I take it easy” he would say and then floor it to get through the traffic lights so I guess 30mpg was a little optimistic. I became strangely attached to the car though and although the cream leather interior seemed ludicrously impractical it was easy to understand the appeal.

Apart from the obvious military requirements the demand for a vehicle which could be driven off-road without falling to pieces is what spawned the whole SUV market and believe it or not there are still people out there who genuinely need a rugged vehicle. Jeep has returned to their roots with the all-new Cherokee with the latest version not offering any concessions in the styling department. The softer lines of the previous model have been beefed up and the Jeep philosophy seems to be if you are going to stand the costs and ridicule of driving a 4×4 you can do it with masculine pride. Jeep has set a realistic sales target for the Cherokee in the UK and as we’ve seen with the smoking ban if someone really needs one, they will have it regardless.

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In his latest report Jon Barlow talks about the Jeep Cherokee and how the latest version is a return to basics

Post from: Cars On The Blog

New Jeep Cherokee – Jeep Gets Back to Basics

Regions with booming auto markets have given Chrysler greener pastures. The Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East have given Chrysler 17 percent, 25 percent, and 65 percent sales growth respectively in October. Countries like China, Brazil and Russia have contributed largely to this series of company sales growth for the automaker.

“It is important to recognize opportunities outside North America to balance the impact any one region can have on the business,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development. “Our focus on growth is not only to increase sales internationally, but also to ensure that the growth is balanced among the Company’s three brands. Our continued focus must be on developing great products that are appropriate for our markets, world-class quality and the development of the most competitive distribution channels.”

With the 15 percent sales increase after selling 79,520 units from the start of the year to date compared to the sales of the same period last year, the Jeep brand claims to be Chrysler’s best selling brand. Jeep models (built with Jeep floor mats) are gaining concrete sales. The new Jeep Wrangler doubled the sales of the previous model and the Grand Cherokee is continuously selling great that it is ranked to be Chrysler’s second selling vehicle of Chrysler beyond the North American market.

“The expanded portfolio for the Jeep brand has resulted in a sales increase of more than 10,000 units so far this year, and established it as the Company’s highest volume brand outside North America,” said Thomas Hausch, Vice President – International Sales. “Replacements for existing models, such as Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have been very well received; and this month in Morocco, we are launching the all-new Jeep Cherokee to International markets, which we believe will help the brand grow its global presence even further. Overall, with 197,000 units sold year to date, we have already surpassed the total calendar year sales for 2005, and Jeep has contributed significantly to this accomplishment.”

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_246142_31.html

Post from: Cars On The Blog

The Jeep helps Chrysler grow

Sometimes the Compass and the Jeep Patriot are thought to be the same as they are equally based on the GS platform. The way to tell the difference with all these vehicles is by looking at their marketing and styling; the Jeep Patriot is a four door wagon which is rather alike to the Cherokee, which was put to an end in the U.S. the Jeep Compass is more of a sporty kind of vehicle, but it also has a lot more ability when it comes to situations that involve bad weather and rough roads. The Dodge Caliber vehicle, which was also based, like the others, on the GS platform, is said to be of a direct contestant to the Toyota Matrix and that Pontiac Vibe. It is also much loved for being the “little hatchback wagon”.

The Jeep Patriot is not just a pretty engine and gorgeous body, this beauty is also capable on many off-road challenges that include ground clearance, water fording, traction, articulation and maneuverability. In this category, the Freedom Drive II is one of the Jeeps with the most off-road capabilities.

This vehicle would suit a driver that is determined, anxious, wild and fun. Whether it’s a male or female, the Jeep Patriot is available in the following colors; Stone White Clearcoat, Marine Blue Pearlcoat, Jeep Green Metallic Clearcoat, Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Black Clearcoat, Inferno Red Crystal Clearcoat, Light Khaki Metallic Clearcoat and Steel Blue Metallic Clearcoat. So there are many colors for you to choose from and you are guaranteed to find the one that suits you just wonderfully!

Enjoy a fun bundu-bashing weekend with your family in the Jeep Patriot. It can’t perform the full blown off-road capabilities like some of the other Jeeps can, but this is an ideal family car. Perfect to go camping, fishing, day tripping, mountain climbing, hiking and you can even fasten your bicycles to the back of it for when you want to go mountain bike riding. There is so much one can do with a Jeep Patriot, and the fun is just beginning!

Now that you think you are going to purchase one of the coolest cars ever, just remember about safety on the road. You can make a difference by sticking to the speed limit that is provided and wearing your seatbelt. That it, your jobs complete! Oh, and don’t forget to have fun!

Dennis is an Orlando area car sales consultant. Visit him at his website where you can find Orlando Jeep‘s including the Orlando Jeep Patriot‘s at invoice price everyday.

Post from: Cars On The Blog

Jeep Patriot

From the olden day Jeeps that looked like they could have served in the First World War, to today’s newest technology jeeps, they are all fantastically manufactured.

Just three of these beauties are the Grand Cherokee Laredo, Grand Cherokee Overland and the Grand Cherokee SRT8. And then just a little bit of info on these:

Grand Cherokee Laredo
This vehicle would suit anyone that likes to take pride in what they ride. It is a beautiful looking car that has body color rear and front fascias, the normal 17” good looking aluminum wheels and accent color body side molding.

Grand Cherokee Overland
This is for the driver who likes to play hard and show off what they have. With these foam heated seats you will be sitting on, everyone’s going to want to get a ride. This jeep is kind of in between the three we are talking about, it’s not a contemptible vehicle but it’s not exquisitely fit for a queen, it’s just in between! Features of this hot ride include its beautiful suede and leather trim overstated on the seatbacks of the driver and passengers seats, and four 18” 7 spoke wheels.

Grand Cherokee SRT8
When many people first heard of the capabilities of this vehicle their response was simply, “wow”! And now we can see why. Some of this beauty’s features include; its 6.1 liter V-8 engine, new front fascia reduces lift and drag and of course, its ability to go to from 0 to 60 miles per hour, in 5 seconds! Wow!

Besides the grand features of these vehicles, they are also available in the most stunning colors:
• Black
• Stone White
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Brilliant Black Crystal
• Jeep Green
• Light Greystone
• Midnight Blue
• Magnesium
• Steel Blue Metallic
• Mineral Grey Metallic

Choose your Jeep Grand Cherokee in one of these fabulous colors and you won’t regret your decision.

There are a lot of benefits of purchasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee, not only will you have all eyes on your car and the best driving experience but you will also be behind the wheel of the U.S Government’s highest rated vehicle for safety. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the uppermost rating for crash testing of front impact. Other safety features include top of the range air-bags, anti- lock break system and ESP (electronic stability program). With all these safety measures it does not mean that you don’t have to wear your seat belt – you should have it securely fastened at all times while you are driving.

Dennis is an Orlando area car sales consultant. Visit him at his website where you can find Orlando Chrysler‘s including the Orlando Chrysler Pacifica‘s at invoice price everyday.

Post from: Cars On The Blog

Jeep Grand Cherokee