The Jeep brand is expanding into new territory with the 2007 Jeep Compass — an all-new modern-styled compact Jeep that delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency and Jeep 4x4 capability at a terrific value. Jeep Compass combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle with the claimed performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a American compact car.

Compass will be the Jeep brand's first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. And Compass is expected to bring new customers to the brand.

"With Compass, Jeep continues to expand globally by offering a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and affordably priced Jeep vehicle designed to reach youthful customers who may not have previously considered the brand," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Compass is a new type of Jeep vehicle for non-traditional Jeep buyers. It allows the brand to compete in the fast-growing compact SUV segment, where there is increasing market demand for fuel economy, ride comfort and efficient packaging in an SUV."

Jeep Compass contributes to the Jeep brand's global lineup expansion to seven SUVs, including the Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Jeep Cherokee outside North America), Jeep Patriot, the legendary Jeep Wrangler and the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door.

The newest Jeep will be available in both Compass and Compass Limited models. Both are available in the United States with front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive capability and will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the third quarter of 2006. Four-wheel-drive models will begin to arrive in volume markets outside North America, including Australia, from the fourth quarter of 2006.

Conquering New Territory
Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2005 calendar year was 368,000 units, up from 297,000 units in 2004. The compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to approximately 600,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to more than 814,000 units by 2016.

A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Jeep Styling
Sleek and sophisticated, the Jeep Compass broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may not have previously considered it.

"Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. "Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep vehicle that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name."

Compass features the Jeep brand's signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles. The all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windshield, expressive bonnet and deep fascia, gives the Jeep Compass its modern, yet capable appearance. The Jeep Compass' side profile features uniquely sculptured guards, delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Standard 17-inch aluminium wheels and available 18-inch aluminium or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass' dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication.

Jeep Utility Built Inside and Out
Jeep Compass' 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.

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

• Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer 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
• Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on standard radio
• Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• Sliding centre armrest that moves forward to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a mobile phone or an MP3 player
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat that provides a table-like surface for versatility
• Flexible 60/40 fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
• UltraFloor™ durable vinyl load floor that is both removable and washable
• YES Essentials® seat fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odours and discolouration
• Available navigation system that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology to offer turn-by-turn route guidance with voice instruction, automatic re-route calculation and enough memory to store 100 addresses (late availability)

Jeep 4x4 Capability and Safety
Jeep Compass is the first Jeep vehicle available with both a standard front-wheel-drive system and an available four-wheel-drive system called Freedom Drive I.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable centre coupling, giving drivers the ability to put Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

Jeep Compass also demonstrates that capability and safety go hand in hand. Standard safety features on all Compass models include:

• Side-curtain air bags
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with rough-road detection
• Brake Traction Control

Jeep Compass features standard 17-inch aluminium wheels and all-season touring tyres. Available all-terrain outlined white letter (OWL) tyres also are available and contribute to Compass', a 20.6-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. The Jeep Compass Limited model features standard 18-inch aluminium wheels and all-season performance tyres. An 18-inch aluminium chrome-clad wheel also is available as an option on the Jeep Compass Limited.

World-class Engineering
The 2007 Jeep Compass' powertrain delivers world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

Compass features a standard 2.4-litre World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology not typically available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Compass' price class.

Jeep Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an available AutoStick® feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6 – 8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle.

A 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine will be available in key diesel markets outside North America.

2007 Jeep Compass Production
Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass began in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Illinois) Assembly Plant. The new 2.4-litre World Engine that powers the Jeep Compass is built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan. GEMA is owned, equally, by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi Motors and Hyundai.

Ford Confirms Mexican Investment
18th June, 2006
Ford confirmed, on Friday 16th June, 2006, an intent to invest in and strengthen its 81-year-old manufacturing presence in Mexico as part of the company’s North American Way Forward plan ..... more

Astra SRi Turbo Roars Back Down Under
16th June, 2006
The new generation of Holden’s four-cylinder performance hero, the Astra SRi Turbo coupe, will roar into Australian showrooms later this month ..... more

Aston Martin's Weekend of Endurance Racing
15th June, 2006
Aston Martin will be celebrating a weekend of endurance racing when the marque contests both the 24-hour Nurbringring race and the 24 Heures du Mans ..... more

Britain's Astra Gains Panoramic Windscreen
15th June, 2006
In the UK, the Astra Sport Hatch is now available with a Panoramic windscreen ..... more

Peugeot 907 At Goodwood Festival Of Speed
15th June, 2006
The Peugeot 907 – a V12 GT coupé concept, which made its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show – is making its UK debut at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed ..... more

Production Begins of New Audi TT Today
14th June, 2006
Audi Hungaria is continuing its success story as the start of production commenced for the second generation Audi TT Coupé ..... more

Suzuki APV Receives Significant Upgrade
12th June, 2006
Suzuki's APV has received an upgrade further contributing to the versatility and appeal of the commercial van, making it an ideal choice for small business ..... more

Changes For Mitsubishi Outlander
12th June, 2006
Mitsubishi's Outlander compact AWD wagon has had some specification revisions as part of its final upgrade before the new model arrives later in the year ..... more

Holden EFIJY Meets The Originals!
9th June, 2006
The 21st Century hot rod re-invention of Australia’s historic car icons today met its ancestors outside Holden’s Port Melbourne headquarters ..... more

Volkswagen Caddy Life
9th June, 2006
New Caddy Life is the ingenious people mover built on Volkswagen's acclaimed Caddy platform. Caddy Life can seat up to seven adults comfortably with ample headroom ..... more

Ford Delivers a New Way to Escape
8th June, 2006
Ford Australia has pulled back the covers on the new ZC series Escape SUV, boasting fresh exterior styling, a more luxurious and convenient interior package and upgraded powertrains for improved driving quality ..... more

Suzuki's New Grand Vitara Trekker
8th June, 2006
Suzuki Australia has launched an exciting new limited edition Grand Vitara Trekker, which combines stylish design and the vehicle's all round 4 x 4 performance with an extensive list of features as standard ..... more

Kombi Beach
30th May, 2006
The very word 'Kombi' represents, by perception, freedom, style, travel adventures and old-fashioned fun with family and friends ..... more

2007 Range Rover Gets A New V8 Diesel
28th May, 2006
The Range Rover gets an all-new V8 diesel engine and a series of other significant enhancements for the 2007 model year ..... more

Vauxhall's Astra TwinTop Released In England
28th May, 2006
The right hand drive version of this new model was released in England last Friday ..... more

Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run Won By Brian Ward
24th May, 2006
The Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run finished in Sydney on Sunday, with the entire field of over 60 classic cars completing the one-month journey, that saw them drive some 12,000 kms around Australia ..... more

New Audi Q5 Confirmed For 2008
24th May, 2006
The new Q5 will start rolling off the Ingolstadt production line in 2008 ..... more

Volkswagen to supply Porsche Panamera bodies
21st May, 2006
The Volkswagen plant in Hanover will produce the painted bodies for Porsche’s new “Panamera” sports coupé to be launched in 2009 ..... more

Mitsubishi Re-Positioning Has Desired Effect
19th May, 2006
Mitsubishi's range re-positioning has had the desired effect, with a reported increase in showroom traffic, and industry expert Redbook revising residuals upwards for two of the marque's volume products ..... more

Special Edition Falcon Utes Loaded With Value
19th May, 2006
Four special edition Falcon Utes go on sale this month, each loaded with a range of additional features ..... more

Europe's Corsa Uncovered!
18th May, 2006
GM's new Corsa is slightly longer and wider than the current car (which was sold in Australia as the Holden Barina until late last year) ..... more

Audi’s RS 4 Family is Now Complete
17th May, 2006
AUDI AG is this week launching, in Europe, its new RS 4 Avant and Cabriolet models, the latest high-performance products from quattro GmbH ..... more

Upgraded Defender For 2007
17th May, 2006
Customer demand for the iconic Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year ..... more

75th Anniversary Of Iconic ’32 Ford
16th May, 2006
A display of the 75 most significant ’32 Ford hot rods of all time will launch next year’s 75th anniversary of the celebrated 1932 Ford, a car known for its innovative engine and bold design ..... more

Bill Ford's Speech To Shareholders
15th May, 2006
When Bill Ford speaks, shareholders listen ..... and so do others. Here's his speech from last week ..... more

GM Opens New European Design Centre
15th May, 2006
As part of General Motors’ continued focus on further strengthening product development, it, last week, opened a new European Design Centre in Rüsselsheim ..... more

The new Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën vans unveiled
12th May, 2006
This new generation of commercial vehicles sets new standards in terms of range variety, load capacity, performance, comfort and running costs ..... more

Nissan Adds Dual Airbags to Patrol Cab/Chassis Range
12th May, 2006
Nissan will add dual airbags to models in the Patrol Cab Chassis range from October. This additional safety feature upgrades the Patrol Cab Chassis to a specification standard its main competitors can’t match ..... more

Land Rover Celebrates The Queen's 80th At Royal Windsor
12th May, 2006
Starting yesterday The Royal Windsor Horse Show (11th – 14th May, 2006), in partnership with Land Rover, will be continuing the Queen's 80th birthday celebrations ..... more

Suzuki Motor Corporation Achieves Record High Net Sales
11th May, 2006
For the seventh consecutive year (fiscal April 05 - March 06), Suzuki Motor Corporation has recorded an increase in net sales, to achieve an impressive result of 2,746,453 million yen (approx $32.8 billion AUD) ..... more

Volkswagen TSI Claims International Engine Of The Year Award
11th May, 2006
The new engine concept featuring twin-charging with a supercharger and turbocharger has impressed experts from across the globe: the new 1.4-litre TSI 170 PS engine claimed two accolades at the International Engine of the Year Awards 2006 ..... more

GM and Renault pursue cooperation on LCVs
10th May, 2006
The cooperation between General Motors Europe (GME) and Renault is taking a further step forward with the release of new van versions for the two brands ..... more

Peugeot 206 - Now From $16,990 (RRP)
9th May, 2006
The Peugeot 206 XR 3-door variant has been added to the range, and at $16,990 (RRP) joins the five door, the 206 XR 5-door, which is priced at $17,990 (RRP) ..... more

The 365-Days-a-Year-Cabriolet - VW Eos
6th May, 2006
After more than one million VW convertibles - Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Golf and New Beetle series - the new Eos takes off to a flying start this month in Germany ..... more

Ford Australia Announces Major New Projects
5th May, 2006
Ford Australia has announced a new strategic direction for the company, including significant investment in new projects and accompanying facilities, totalling more than $1.8 billion (AUD) over the next decade ..... more

Aston Martin Reveals DBS
4th May, 2006
Details of the new DBS remain top secret, although Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: “This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car ..... more

Mitsubishi 380 Improves Market Position
4th May, 2006
Mitsubishi Motors has maintained its market share in a tough April car market, while the 380 continued its gradual climb in the large car segment by recording a significant jump in market share from 10% to 12% during the last month ..... more

Car Market Turns Down as Petrol Prices Bite
3rd May, 2006
Record petrol prices appear to be taking a toll on the new motor vehicle market according to official figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries ..... more

Audi RS 4 Unleashed on Australian Soil
3rd May, 2006
New from the ground up, the RS 4 is the top-of-the-range model in the A4 series, priced at $164,500 ..... more

Six Speed Auto Boost for 407 HDi Models
1st May, 2006
A new high-tech six speed automatic transmission has been added to the latest Peugeot 407 HDi turbo diesel Sedan and Touring models ..... more

New Line-Up for Land Rover Discovery 3
10th April, 2006
Land Rover is rationalising the Discovery 3 line-up adding as standard, leather interiors and automatic climate control on all models in the new range ..... more

Morgan 4-seater Returns
4th April, 2006
The new Morgan 4-seater models that made their debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006 are now available for sale in Australia ..... more

Holden Unleashes Thunder Ute and Crewman
30th March, 2006
Holden’s ever-popular light commercial range now features special edition “Thunder” models for Ute and Crewman ..... more

Precious Metal - The Peugeot 407 Coupe
7th March, 2006
Peugeot have announced the pricing structure for the stunning new 407 Coupe, which goes on sale in Australia later this month ..... more