The heroic heritage of Jeep and its sport-utility mastery stretches back over 60 years. In 2006, the Jeep brand will continue to deliver on its promise to provide rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel drive vehicles with the launch of the all-new 2006 Jeep Commander, which will make its Middle East debut at the Dubai International Motorshow in December this year.
"The all-new Jeep Commander signals our commitment to remain the leader in the SUV market - a market that Jeep invented more than 60 years ago," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "The Jeep Commander is significant for a number of reasons. It is the first seven-passenger 4x4 that is Jeep Trail Rated, and it is the only SUV in its class to offer a choice of two V8 engines. In addition, the Jeep Commander expands and strengthens the Jeep lineup, which currently comprises of the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Commander also initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle lineup that will take place during the second half of this decade."
In developing the 2006 Jeep Commander, designers looked to past Jeep vehicles for inspiration: the Jeep Willys Station Wagons (1946 to 1962), the Jeep Wagoneer (1963 to 1991) and especially the Jeep Cherokee (1984 to 2001). All were classically Jeep in appearance, with sharp lines and rugged looks. The 2006 Jeep Commander is a modern interpretation of that design ethic.
For the first time in a Jeep vehicle, the Jeep Commander offers three rows of seats, making it capable of carrying seven passengers, with each row slightly higher than the one in front of it - this distinctive "stadium seating" arrangement makes forward viewing easier. The second and third-row seats fold forward to create a flat load floor.
Best-in-class off-road performance is provided by the Quadra-Drive system and industry exclusive Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) - front/centre/rear, offering customers the ultimate in off-road capability. Best-in-class horsepower and torque are provided by the legendary 5.7 litre HEMI V8 engine. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) provides improved fuel economy, as much as 20%, depending on driving conditions.
Safety and security were designed into the Jeep Commander from the beginning. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard. Other safety features include Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), a Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist.
The introduction of the Jeep Commander in 2006 follows last year's successful launch of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which continued to raise 4x4 standards to a new level by offering improved capability, superior on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with many premium features.
The 2006 Jeep Cherokee continues to stand apart from car-based SUVs in terms of off-road capability and from truck-based offerings in terms of on-road refinement.
The Jeep Wrangler remains the original 4x4, with a one-of-a-kind open-air design that delivers unmatched fun, freedom and excitement.
Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology established by the Nevada Automotive Test Centre (NATC) and Jeep Engineering to objectively measure and consistently predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. It signifies that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions, identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
"Customers throughout the Middle East are eagerly awaiting the launch of the all-new Jeep Commander," said Barcroft. "There couldn't be a better vehicle to start a series of new product introductions that will have such a major impact on the 4x4 market for many years to come."
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Neil Tyrer
Partner
Integra - Integrated Marketing Communications
Office 502
5th Floor
CNN Building
Dubai Media City
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: 971 4 3672886
Fax: 971 4 3661076
Mob: 971 50 6532854
Email: Neil.tyrer@integramarcoms.com
Website: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
© Press Release 2005
