New Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel to go on Sale in the States in 2013

On Wednesday, Porsche confirmed that it will bring the Cayenne Diesel to the U.S. by 2013, but the German company isn't the only automaker with plans to sell a diesel-powered SUV in the States.

The Chrysler Group announced today that it would add a diesel version to its Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup in the United States and Canada. The North American diesel model will be manufactured at the firm's Jefferson North Assembly Plant [JNAP] in Detroit.

In addition, Chrysler revealed that it would add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant next year. Current employment at the plant is approximately 2,890 workers.

"We believe that investing in Detroit is not only the right thing to do, but it is a smart thing to do as we work to write the next chapter in our shared history," said Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne.

The automaker did not divulge any more details but there's a good chance that the North American market Grand Cherokee Diesel will be offered with the same engine as its European counterpart.

The latter is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 CRD common-rail turbo diesel available in two states of tune delivering 190HP at 4,000rpm and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft) at 1,600-2,800rpm, and 241HP at 4,000rpm and 550Nm (405.7 lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800rpm. Both versions of the V6 are matted to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 190HP model accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191km/h (119mph) while returning a combined fuel consumption of 8.3 lt/100km (28.4mpg) in the European cycle.

The more potent 241HP variant goes from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.2 seconds en route to a top speed of 202km/h (126mph) but returns the same fuel economy at 8.3 lt/100km (28.4mpg).

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Infiniti’s Mercedes A-Class-based Compact Model to be Built by Magna Steyr

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Japan’s second biggest automaker, wants Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, to have a 10 percent share in the premium segment, which amounts to 500,000 units.

The “Power 88” plan that Ghosn revealed last June calls for the rapid expansion of Infiniti, which is an established player in the U.S. market but almost non-existent in Europe: in 2010 it sold 4,500 units, a tenth of BMW’s January 45,000 sales…

Back in August, we revealed that Infiniti was preparing a small, entry-level premium model to compete with the likes of Audi’s A3 and BMW’s 1-Series, and that it would use another premium carmaker’s help: Mercedes Benz and its newly developed MFA platform employed by the 2012 A-Class.

Now, Autonews reports that the Infiniti's C-segment model, which was previewed by the Etherea concept at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, will be manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr.

The Austrian company has a huge experience in manufacturing vehicles for other carmakers. It's most well-known models are the first-generation BMW X3, the European Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Peugeot RCZ and the Mini Countryman, and of course, Mercedes’ no-frills 4x4, the G-Wagen, which it has built since 1979.

Sources report that the deal, which is expected to be signed next month, stipulates that Magna Steyr will receive many preassembled “complete parts” from Mercedes-Benz .The new model’s annual production will be around 50,000-60,000 units, significantly boosting Infiniti’s global sales.

The entry-level Infiniti will be launched in 2013 and will be based on Mercedes’ MFA new front-wheel drive platform. Tying up with Daimler on April 2010 was Nissan’s first move towards its target, cutting development and production costs for both groups.

Using a sub-contractor and a rather experienced one at that to build a mainstream model means that you can save even more, since you don’t have to retool your existing plants or set up a new one, either of which are much more expensive solutions.

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New Research Shows The Most Profitable Vehicles In The United States

All manufacturers want their vehicles to sell in large quantities. And make a big deal of it when they succeed, especially when up the sales charts in their respective segments. However, the high sales figures do not necessarily translate into big profits, especially with the discounts that have become common practice for attracting customers at dealerships.

A recent study by Max Warburton at Bernstein Research, market trends and analysis firm, reveals which models sold in the United States are the most profitable for automakers.

Despite allegations of just about everything, the greenhouse effect is a costly rescue plan of a couple of years ago, research shows that light trucks Detroit three major heads the list of most profitable vehicles in the United States

Number one goes to the Ford F-Series with GM Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks come in second and Chrysler to complete RAM the first three.

However, the research includes data from 1990, so that the current economic and environmental factors are neglected in comparison to what is really happening today. Yet, in this period, the first three trucks combined yielded $ 108 billion before taxes.

According to Warburton, because cars are so profitable is a combination of high prices, large volumes and long stay on the market. Moreover, unlike cars, trucks, using technology cheaper and easier, thus increasing the profit margin, and even if they are updated often use the carry help to replace parts of the models.

Trucks are not the only great victory for the list of vehicles: Mercedes-Benz S-Class in fourth place, followed by BMW 5 - and 3-series and E series

Large SUVs like the Lexus RX and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, are back in the U.S. market best-sellers, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are also on the list, mainly because of large quantities.

Porsche 911 on the other hand, takes place somewhere between the Accord and Camry, is perhaps not as common, but it has virtually its segment, and certainly commands a much higher price.

Story Sources: Bernstein Research via New York Times

 

Bernstein Research's list of the most profitable vehicles in the USA since 1990:

1. Ford F-Series
2. General Motors pickups
3. Chrysler Ram
4. Mercedes S-Class
5. BMW 5 Series
6. BMW 3 Series
7. Mercedes E-Class
8. Lexus RX
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
10. Honda Accord
11. Porsche 911
12. Toyota Camry

 

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Jeep Announces 70th Anniversary Edition Models at Detroit Motor Show

After releasing a barrage of fresh models is the Jeep division of Chrysler now banking on a series of special edition models created to celebrate 70 years anniversary of the brand.

"As part of the celebration of 70 years of the Jeep brand, we create a beautiful, special premium edition models of each vehicle in our assembly, which pay homage to the history of the legendary Jeep brand," said Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep.

The 70th Anniversary Edition The line includes the 2011 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler, which are all characterized by a number of unique features, such as wheels and special finishing options, and will all be available in a Bronze Star special exterior paint, in addition to Bright Silver and Black. The special edition models is scheduled to arrive at Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2011.

More details and pricing for each model can be found in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

2011 Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,270 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Compass Limited models. Features include:

• Unique, 18-inch aluminum wheel


• 70th Anniversary badge


• Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping


• Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding


• Unique dark green cluster overlay


• Chestnut stitching in steering wheel


• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition is $35,770 (plus $780 destination). It is available on Grand Cherokee Laredo X models. Features include:

• Unique, polished 20-inch aluminum wheel with Mineral Gray pockets


• 70th Anniversary badge


• Dark Olive leather seats with perforated inserts with Chestnut accent stitching and piping


• Black/Dark Olive with Chestnut accents is also available


• Door bolster and armrest in Dark Olive and wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching


• Center console in Dark Olive perforated leather wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching


• Black leather wrapped steering wheel with Chestnut accent stitching


• Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding


• New satin chrome-plated, graphite anodized paint and Black Lacewood interior finish


• Unique cluster overlay and needles


• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen

2011 Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,770 (plus $745 destination). It is available on Liberty Sport or Limited models. Features include:

• Unique 18-inch Mopar wheel with polished face and painted pockets (optional on Sport)


• 70th Anniversary badge


• Bright body-side moldings, roof rails and license plate brow


• Dark Olive/Dark Slate leather seats with Chestnut accent stitching and piping


• Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent


• Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent


• New interior satin chrome accents and bezels in anodized Silver and Black Lacewood finish


• Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding


• Unique cluster overlay and needles


• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen


• Mopar stainless steel sill plates

2011 Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $22,170 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Patriot Latitude X models. Features include:

• 17-inch aluminum wheel


• 70th Anniversary badge


• Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping


• Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding


• Unique dark green cluster overlay


• Chestnut stitching in steering wheel


• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen

2011 Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $28,670 (plus $750 destination) for 2-door models and $31,370 (plus $750 destination) for Unlimited models. It is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models. Features include:

• Unique 18-inch wheel


• 70th Anniversary badge


• Dark Olive seats with perforated leather inserts and Chestnut accent stitching and piping


• Satin chrome HVAC rings, front doorpulls and grab handle


• Automatic shift knob with satin chrome cap and bezel


• Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent


• Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent


• Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding


• Unique cluster overlay and needles


• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen


• Mopar brushed aluminum sill plates

2011 Jeep vehicle lineup
Jeep builds on its tradition of providing unique, iconic, versatile and capable vehicles for 2011, with its next-generation, premium flagship vehicle – the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – and with significant changes across the Jeep vehicle lineup.

With the greatest range of SUVs under one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio consists of:

• Compass: A compact SUV with a new sophisticated, premium design for 2011, the Jeep Compass delivers unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value


• Grand Cherokee: The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures


• Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated® 4x4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider® open canvas roof


• Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and segment leading capability


• Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models


• Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011 and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models

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