All-new 2007 Jeep_® Patriot Delivers Classic Jeep Styling, Best-in-class Capability

The Jeep_® brand continues its expansion into new territory with the 2007 Jeep Patriot — an all-new compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) that delivers fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $14,985 (including $560 destination), Patriot is the new entry-level price point for the Jeep brand.

“The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot is the most capable 4x4 in the compact SUV segment,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Jeep Patriot’s capability, combined with its classic Jeep design, interior flexibility and terrific fuel efficiency, will both attract new buyers and give Jeep enthusiasts a capable new Jeep at an entry-level price point.”

Based on the Jeep Patriot concept first introduced at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Patriot is a modern interpretation of classic Jeep styling. Jeep Patriot combines the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Jeep Patriot also is loaded up with many standard safety features, including side-curtain air bags, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation, all of which add to Jeep Patriot’s tremendous value.

Patriot also treads into new territory with all-new Jeep technology that gives this compact SUV more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot is available in the United States and Canada in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I™ (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode) and the Freedom Drive II™ Off-road Package (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with low ratio that provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated capability).

The 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport and Jeep Patriot Limited models will become available in U.S. dealerships in volume in the first quarter of 2007 and will be available in global volume markets in both left- and right-hand drive starting in the first half of 2007.

MOST CAPABLE VEHICLE IN ITS CLASS
Jeep Patriot is available in three drivetrain configurations. In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Patriot also is available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel-drive Lock mode when navigating deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the 2007 Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4, creating the most capable vehicle in the crowded compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package includes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with low ratio (CVT2L), 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is recommended for off-road situations that include grades, occasional wheel lift and moderate rock or log climbing.

“The Jeep Patriot’s innovative Freedom Drive II Off-road Package uses all-new Jeep 4x4 technology to achieve Trail Rated capability,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “This four-wheel-drive technology, developed by Jeep engineers, provides many of the benefits of a traditional transfer case without the additional weight.”

This all-new Jeep technology includes the CVT2L’s best-in-class 19:1 low ratio, which is ideal for crawling over obstacles. Off-road Brake Traction Control maintains forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction. Hill-descent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure without driver intervention, providing downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Three-mode ESP and off-road ABS also add to the Patriot’s inherent off-road capability.

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits 1 inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance, including 9 inches of ground clearance, a 29.6-degree approach angle, a 34.2-degree departure angle and a 23.3-degree breakover angle. This version of the Patriot also has additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. In fact, the body and chassis of the Jeep Patriot with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the enthusiast Jeep customer.

“From its approach and departure angles to every sealant and chassis component in between, we’ve engineered the Trail Rated Jeep Patriot to be the most capable vehicle in the compact SUV class and more than capable in many off-road driving conditions,” said Matt Liddane, Chief Engineer – Jeep Patriot. “Whether climbing moderate rocks, logs or grades, Jeep Patriot drivers will have the confidence of knowing they’re in a Jeep 4x4.”

All Jeep Patriot models available in the United States and Canada include standard Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and ABS with rough-road detection, as well as standard side-curtain air bags. Patriot’s standard four-wheel ABS provides a competitive 60–0 mph stopping distance of 134 feet on dry pavement.

A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF CLASSIC JEEP STYLING
Strong and capable, the 2007 Patriot is unmistakably Jeep, designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want classic Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability. Jeep Patriot is rugged, exuding the brand’s key attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure, while also offering excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value.

“Simple yet distinctive geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot’s timeless proportions,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “Combined, these features give Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image.”

Jeep Patriot is built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Patriot’s face is classic Jeep, featuring the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, a robust bumper and round headlamps.

A stiff windshield and upright backlight combine to create Patriot’s easily identifiable side view. Classic Jeep design cues include available 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. Jeep Patriot’s high beltline completes the vehicle’s protective side profile.

The rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper, both of which further illustrate the Jeep Patriot’s interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to Jeep Patriot’s spacious and functional interior.

JEEP UTILITY, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT
Jeep Patriot’s flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the-road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Jeep Patriot has 39.4 inches of rear seat leg room, 54.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat. This leaves plenty of room for an 8-foot ladder, skis or two-by-fours from the lumber yard.

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

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• An available 458-watt Nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate; when the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
• An auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on the standard AM/FM/CD radio
• An available 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
• A sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
• An available 115-volt two-prong outlet in the center console that powers small electronics
• An available fold-flat front passenger seat that creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Standard 60/40 rear seats that fold flat and have an available recline feature
• Ultra Floor™ — a washable and removable vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area with a 250-lb. load capacity
• YES Essentials® Fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
• An available navigation system that helps Patriot drivers find their way both on and off-road

WORLD-CLASS ENGINEERING
The 2007 Jeep Patriot’s powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable, entry-level price.

Jeep Patriot Sport and Limited models feature a standard 2.4-liter World Engine that produces 172 horsepower (129 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (222 N•m) of torque. This 2.4-liter World Engine has dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Jeep Patriot’s price class. Patriot’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle delivers 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Also available on the 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport two-wheel-drive model is a 2.0-liter World Engine that provides 158 horsepower (117 kW) and 141 lb.-ft. (191 N•m) of torque coupled with the CVT2 and also delivers 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Jeep Patriot models feature a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available CVT. The Patriot’s CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6–8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle. Patriot’s CVT2 also improves vehicle performance compared with an automatic transaxle because of optimized gear ratios, especially during passing maneuvers in the 30–60 mph range.

CONQUERING NEW TERRITORY
Jeep Patriot competes in the compact SUV segment, which is booming. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2006 calendar year was 520,045 units, up 34 percent from the 387,528 units sold in 2005. The compact SUV segment is expected to grow to 814,000 units by 2016. Patriot gives the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with this segment.

With the all-new Jeep Patriot, the Jeep brand in the United States is targeting single and married educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s who earn a median income of $65,000. Fifty-five percent have a college education. These upwardly mobile Patriot buyers skew slightly male and are confident, independent, rugged individuals who enjoy the outdoors. Safety, security and the confidence that come with Jeep 4x4 capability rank high on their priorities. They like the Jeep brand and want a vehicle that is unique. With its classic Jeep styling and best-in-class off-road capability, Patriot is designed and engineered to meet their needs.

JEEP PATRIOT MODEL LINEUP
The newest Jeep will be available in Patriot Sport and Patriot Limited models. Both are available in the United States and Canada with front-wheel drive, the Freedom Drive I full-time, active 4x4 system and the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package, a full-time, active 4x4 system with low-ratio capability.

2007 JEEP PATRIOT PRODUCTION
Production of the 2007 Jeep Patriot began in the fourth quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine and the available 2.0-liter World Engine that power the Patriot are built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) assembly plant in Dundee, Mich.

JEEP BRAND
The heroic heritage of Jeep and its dominance of the sport-utility market stretch back 66 years. Jeep is known worldwide for its core values of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure. The Jeep Patriot, with excellent fuel efficiency, an affordable price and proven Jeep four-wheel-drive with low-ratio capability, provides an opportunity to expand the brand and attract new buyers around the world.

Patriot marks a milestone in the Jeep brand’s two-year expansion effort, which has seen the brand grow from three to seven SUVs, including the Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America), Jeep Compass, the legendary Jeep Wrangler and the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door.

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 optimizing 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.