Jeep salesmen get down to business in Dubai

Representatives from dealers in the GCC states plus Cyprus, Lebanon and Jordan took part in a series of one-day courses designed to instruct them on the wide range of improvements in this popular all-new off-road vehicle.

The one-day sessions included 'test drives' over a specially built off-road driving course, which included log and rock crossings, ditches and banks, at the Dubai Polo Club followed by 10 kilometres of desert driving.

"This training course proved the ruggedness, capability and exceptional on-road refinement of our all-new Cherokee," said David Glorius, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Director, Chrysler Jeep and Dodge, Middle East.

"The salesmen also experienced the new Cherokee's superior levels of interior space and comfort, particularly for rear seat passengers, and much improved on-road handling.

"Our intensive training course gave the salesmen considerable product and technical information on a new vehicle that is already proving a showroom hit," added Glorius. "We are forecasting sales of over 1,000 new Cherokee's next year with the new vehicle taking a 36 % share of total Jeep brand sales."

The result of a US$ 1.7 billion development programme, the new Cherokee, available in Sport and Limited Edition versions, includes features designed for the Middle East market such as its innovative hybrid cooling system and special ABS braking sensors and calibration for off-road driving.

The hybrid cooling system combines engine-driven and electric fans to produce best-in-class engine cooling and passenger compartment comfort while operating more quietly than an engine-driven fan alone when cooling demand is low as in slow desert driving.

The enhanced three-channel ABS system is similar to the one used on the Grand Cherokee and includes subtle refinements that provide for quieter operation and less pedal pulsing.

For off-road use, when the vehicle is operated in four-wheel-drive Low, the system allows some wheel lock-up during hard braking on slippery surfaces to improve stopping power.

New active electrically powered wheel speed sensors also minimises brake lock-up at low speeds. This is particularly important when descending steep desert dunes.

The all-new Jeep Cherokee was created to expand the strength of the formidable Jeep brand that has led all 4x4 vehicles during its illustrious 60-year history.

Not just for traditional Jeep customers, the Cherokee is also ideal for a new generation of 4x4 buyers who want a combination of on-road refinement and off-road ruggedness.

"True to the heritage and reputation of the Jeep brand, Cherokee is a 'can do' vehicle that stands far apart from the new generation of less capable 'make do' 4x4s currently on the market. With the new Cherokee, drivers can definitely 'Do More' on and off-road," said Glorius.

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