Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass point brand into new territory

Jeep is renowned worldwide for its core attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure. Now Jeep designers have gone to the extreme once again, creating two all-new sport utility vehicle (SUV) concepts that will see the Jeep brand aggressively expanding into new territory.

The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts are compact Jeep 4x4s that deliver fun, freedom, utility and capability, as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility - all at a great value price. Making their international debut at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, these two new concepts hint at two future compact SUVs that the Jeep brand is likely to launch into the global market as soon as next year.

Featuring the powerful yet fuel-efficient all-new 2.4 litre World Engine, the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts will be coupled with a brand new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Combined with other all-new Jeep technologies, these two concepts will take Jeep 4x4 capability to a whole new level.

Both of these very distinct interpretations of a compact Jeep complement each other, yet target different sets of customers who are looking for great value and fuel efficiency. The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts will expand the brand's global line up, which includes the Jeep Commander (scheduled for launch in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2006), Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Cherokee and the legendary Jeep Wrangler.

'The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot are clear demonstrations of how Jeep continues to explore new territory,' said Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East.

'These exciting vehicles will see Jeep delivering best-in-class capability to the compact SUV buyer at a great value price, and doing so with the credibility that only comes with a Jeep.'

The Jeep Patriot is a modern interpretation of classic Jeep styling.

Strong and capable, the Patriot concept is unmistakably a Jeep, designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want traditional 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.

Simple, geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot's timeless, purpose-built design. The Patriot's face features Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, a robust bumper, round headlamps, raised, free-standing fog lamps and a visible skid plate. All of this gives Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image.

Painted Armour Green with black door handles, body-side mouldings, black accents, dark tinted windows and a stiffer windshield, the Jeep Patriot is designed for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to the Jeep Patriot concept's spacious and functional interior.

Classic Jeep design cues include aggressive 17 inch offroad wheels and tyres housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. These combine with a raised roof rack that can hold additional gear. Jeep Patriot's higher beltline completes the vehicle's protective profile, while the rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper that further illustrate the Jeep Patriot's interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability.

Jeep Patriot not only looks like a Jeep, but all-new Jeep off-road technology will ensure that it is a Trail Rated 4x4, which will make it the most capable vehicle in its class.

The Jeep Compass is a new type of Jeep in a contemporary package.

Sleek and sophisticated with rally car toughness, the Jeep Compass will deliver Jeep fun, freedom and capability, broadening the global appeal of Jeep and attracting new buyers who might not have previously considered the brand.

'The Jeep Compass is an all-new kind of Jeep,' said Barcroft. 'Compact and nimble, it is the right size for world markets and is designed to offer performance, fuel economy and value in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.'

True to Jeep's signature design cues, the Jeep Compass concept features the brand's signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps, large and capable fog lights and trapezoidal wheel openings. A steeply raked windshield, an expressive hood, low-to-the ground stance, deep fascia, wire mesh grille texture and prominent lower intake give the Jeep Compass a powerful and capable appearance.

The side profile of the Jeep Compass is highly sculptured. Powerful bumper forms exaggerate its athletic stance, performance 19 inch wheels and red-line tyres. From the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler completes the Jeep Compass performance message. The deep fascia is uniquely styled to accommodate a large chrome dual exhaust system, which also reinforces the vehicle's aggressive, performance-based character.

'The Jeep Patriot and Compass continue to build on the proud heritage of the Jeep brand, and we're highly confident that they will attract new buyers in all of the Middle East countries, where 4x4 drivers are possibly the most discerning and demanding anywhere in the world.' added Barcroft.