DaimlerChrysler Middle East today revealed four fabulous vehicles that will be the stars of next monyh

Chrysler's terrific two are the new Concorde Ltd, which will play a key role as the brand's most luxurious family sedan, and the Grand Cherokee Overland, the 60-year-old brand's fastest ever Jeep.

"The Chrysler Concorde Limited brings an elegant, yet stunning style to the full-size segment. It has both the ride and agility of a mid-size car with all the room and premium amenities of a larger sedan and should be much loved by large families in this region," said David Glorius, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Director Chrysler Jeep and Dodge, Middle East.

The new 2002 Chrysler Concorde adopts the elegant exterior of the 2001 Chrysler LHS with its bold egg-crate grille design and chrome edging, quad projector headlamps, body style moulding and rear fascia with the prominent Chrysler winged badge.

Under the Limited's hood there's a powerful all-aluminium 24-Valve 3.5 litre V6 engine that produces 235 brake horsepower.

This high-output engine offers more torque and horsepower than any normally aspirated engine in its class thanks to computer simulation that maximises air flows resulting in a higher output per litre.

The touring suspension delivers crisp handling while maintaining the exceptional ride qualities expected from a premium luxury sedan. Variable-assist speed-sensitive power steering gives outstanding response and precision under all driving conditions.

Inside the new Concorde Limited there's room to comfortably seat five adults in the leather-trimmed seats.

Important features include anti-lock brakes and low-speed traction control, new eight-way power front seats with a personalised memory system for the driver, automatic temperature control air conditioning, dynamic side-impact protection and a vehicle theft security system with Sentry Key engine immobiliser.

The Grand Cherokee Overland is a new version of the luxury Grand Cherokee, the Middle East's popular award-winning Jeep brand flagship, that has sold over 10,000 units in the region over the last six years.

"This is our most powerful Jeep vehicle yet. It's capable of accelerating from 0 - 100 kilometres per hour in just 8.3 seconds," said Glorius. "That's quick, much quicker than our Japanese and British competitors, and compares extremely favourably with more recently launched Sports Activity Vehicles that, unlike Jeep, are not truly off-road capable."

Jeep engineers have produced a new high output version of the Grand Cherokee's 235 brake horsepower, V8, 4.7 litre engine increasing the power by 15 per cent to 260 brake horsepower and giving it 12 per cent more torque - now a massive 330 foot pounds.

The Jeep Overland comes with 17-inch machine rim aluminium wheels, metallic painted side rock rails and unique front and rear fascias.

Inside there's a high level of standard equipment and premium appointments now enhanced by Redwood Burl wood accents, premium suede and leather and 'Overland' embroidered floor mats.

"This really is a luxury vehicle which meets the needs of those Middle East drivers who desire comfort and on-road performance yet still want the legendary off-road ability they have come to expect from a Jeep," added Glorius.

The M-Class has been enjoying life in the fast lane for four years, during which time it has provided thrills for some 319,000 motorists all over the world and won over 66 international awards. Annual sales of the M-Class broke the 100,000 unit barrier last year.

"Our new Model-Year 2002 Mercedes M-Class is not just a facelift," said Steffen Baumann, Sales and Marketing Director, Mercedes Benz Passenger Cars. "Mercedes designers have given the car that created the luxury off-road segment in 1997 a more dynamic and powerful body design while the engineers have modified many components to add technical innovations and enhance the classy package even further."

The MY 2002 design reinforces the rugged but sportive appeal of the M-Class and includes new 17 inch alloy wheels as standard. A full-size windowbag has been added to the MY 2002 model, to complement the outstanding safety package of the M-Class. The new centre console hosts the switches for the new automatic climate control system. The new system improves the cooling capacity significantly and includes six sensors to control each seat location's individual temperature as well as provides individually adjustable ventilation outlets for the rear seats.

A vast range of new optional equipment includes PARKTRONIC and a state-of-the-art Video/DVD Entertainment system, to which the discerned customers can add design and AMG options to further individualise the M-Class.

"We've also given the new M-Class a new more powerful top of the range engine," said Baumann. "Our ML 500, which replaces the ML 430, is now fitted with the five litre V8 from the S-Class that delivers an impressive 292 bhp and a stunning torque of 440 Nm for excellent performance in all driving conditions"

The new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is an extraordinarily convincing vehicle concept that combines the classic, two-seater roadster with an elegant coupe.

The unique vario-roof transforms the coupe into an open-top roadster at a push of a button in just 16 seconds. In its fifth generation the new SL-Class continues the success-story first established with the legendary 'gullwing-door' 300 SL.

"Designed for incredible performance, safety and with an impeccable ride, the new SL is a true extension of the Mercedes sportscar legend," said Baumann. "The SL badge is the icon of an automobile that embodies excitement and passion."

Of all the technical milestones on display in the new SL-Class, it is the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) - the electro-hydraulic, break-by-wire breaking system - that leads the way. The new SL-Class offers a world-wide unparalled package of high performance electronic control systems, including Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system along with the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz handling control systems - Anti-Lock Breaking System (ABS), Break-Assist (BAS) and Electronic Stability Programm (EPS) with Acceleration-skid control (ASR).

Under the hood is a powerful V8 engine that produces 306 bhp and a massive 460 Nm of torque. It is one of the most powerful units in its class allowing the car to sprint from 0 - 100 kph in just 6.3 seconds.

Per V. Rasmussen, DaimlerChrysler Middle East President and CEO, said the launch of the 'Fabulous Four' re-emphasised the company's commitment to the region.

"We have invested heavily in the Middle East and have exciting plans for the future," he said. "In fact the investment by our distributors in new sales and service facilities, by us in our new Jebel Ali regional headquarters and in new vehicles, is bearing fruit with regional sales in the first nine months of 2001 up by nearly 18 % over the same period last year.

"Mercedes Benz passenger cars have seen a significant sales increase from 9,800 units in 1999 to 11,500 units last year and we are forecasting year-end sales of 12,500. The Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands have also performed well, increasing sales from 6,900 in 1999 to over 7,000 last year. This year they are forecasting 8,000 units. Sales of our commercial vehicles have also grown and we are predicting a 35% year end increase."

Mr Rasmussen added that global events could impact regional sales projections but that DaimlerChrysler Middle East is closely monitoring the situation.

"However, with new innovations, the loyal support of our dealers, partners and customers, DaimlerChrysler will continue to set the highest standards in the region's automotive industry."


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