Press Kit: 2006 Paris Motor Show

The Jeep® brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new Jeep Compass – a modern-styled compact Jeep that delivers a competitive package of size, performance and fuel economy, all at a great value. Compass extends the Jeep brand to compete for the first time in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment and draw new customers to the brand.

Jeep Compass offers best-in-class fuel economy among its key competitors with 6.5l/100km on the combined cycle. Compass also will be the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product and also the first with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling. With Compass’ competitive price within its segment, the Jeep brand continues to grow as this new 4x4 becomes the new entry-level price point for the brand.

“With Jeep Compass, the Jeep brand continues to expand by offering a modern-styled, fuel-efficient and affordably priced Jeep vehicle designed to reach youthful customers who may not have previously considered the brand,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Jeep Compass is a new type of Jeep vehicle for non-traditional Jeep buyers. It allows the brand to compete in the growing compact SUV segment, offering the credibility and cachet of the brand to a whole new audience.”

Jeep Compass contributes to the Jeep brand’s global expansion from three models in 2005 to seven in 2007 – the most available to retail consumers at one time in the 65-year history of Jeep vehicles. By the end of 2007, the Jeep brand lineup will include Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee (Liberty in North America) and Wrangler, plus the all-new Compass, Patriot and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. All of these vehicles will include diesel and petrol powertrain options.

Jeep Compass is offered outside North America with standard four-wheel-drive capability, in Sport and Limited models, both left- and right-hand drive. Compass will begin to arrive in international dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Conquering New Territory
Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. The compact SUV segment in Western Europe is expected to increase from around 344,000 units in calendar year 2005 to nearly 400,000 units by 2010.

With Jeep Compass, the Jeep brand in Europe is targeting single or recently married professionals in their early 30s to mid 40s. These buyers earn a median income of approximately 50,000 Euros, and around half are college educated.

A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Jeep Styling
Sleek and sophisticated, the Jeep Compass broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may not have previously considered it.

“Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep vehicle that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name.”

Jeep Compass features the Jeep brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles. The all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windscreen, expressive bonnet and deep fascia, gives the Compass its modern, yet capable appearance. The Compass’ side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms, delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of the traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Compass’ interior combines functional style, comfort and versatility in an appealing and surprisingly roomy package.

Jeep Utility Built Inside and Out
Jeep Compass’ flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating passengers and storing gear. A command-of-the-road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Compass has nearly 100cm (39.4 in.) of rear seat leg room and up to 1277 litres (45.1 cu. ft.) of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including: 

• Supplemental side-curtain air bags 
• Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer and two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward and play music to augment outdoor activities 
• Dual-purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight 
• Sliding centre armrest moves forward 7.6cm (3 in.) to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a mobile phone or an MP3 player 
• Fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Flexible 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats that also recline
• UltraFloor™ durable vinyl load floor is both removable and washable
• Available YES Essentials seat fabric – an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odours and discolouration

Jeep 4x4 Capability and Safety
Jeep Compass is offered outside North America with a standard four-wheel-drive system called Freedom Drive I.

Freedom Drive I is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable centre coupling, giving drivers the ability to put Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive Lock mode to handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces. In Lock mode, up to 60 per cent of torque is sent to the rear axle.

Jeep Compass also demonstrates that capability and safety go hand in hand. Standard safety features on all Compass models include: 

• Advanced multi-stage front air bags 
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags 
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) 
• Brake Assist System 
• Electronic Roll Mitigation 
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with rough-road detection 
• Brake Traction Control System

Jeep Compass outside North America has 200mm (7.9 in.) of ground clearance, a 21-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 20-degree breakover angle. The Compass Sport features standard 17-inch aluminium wheels and three-season tyres, and 18-inch aluminium wheels are optional. The Compass Limited model features standard 18-inch aluminium wheels and three-season tyres. An 18-inch aluminium chrome-clad wheel is available as an option on the Compass Limited.

World-class Engineering
The Jeep Compass’ powertrain delivers world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement. Compass features a standard 2.4-litre petrol World Engine with 125 kW (170 hp DIN), 220 Nm (162 lb.-ft.) and dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT, and the overall performance of this engine places Compass amongst the best in its segment.

Optional is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo diesel power plant with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The 103 kW (140 hp DIN) turbo diesel engine, producing peak torque of 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.), positions the Jeep Compass competitively in its class for power, torque and other performance measurements.

Jeep Compass also features an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) for the 2.4-litre petrol World Engine. This is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers have calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and Auto Stick, which allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 per cent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle.

Jeep Compass Production
Production of the Jeep Compass began in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois (USA). The 2.4-litre petrol World Engine is built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) assembly plant in Dundee, Mich.

Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand’s 65-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2006 and 2007, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its promise to provide versatile, innovative four-wheel-drive vehicles with the introduction of the all-new Jeep Compass, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

Jeep brand vehicle sales outside North America increased 15 per cent in 2005 to 84,019 units, as compared with 2004 sales of 72,959 units. For the first half of 2006, international Jeep brand sales were up 15 per cent over the same period last year, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the highest-volume model of all Chrysler Group vehicles sold outside North America.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)
The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Mich., delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. By optimising the three joint venture partners’ strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.