March 23, 2005
New York Auto Show
Jeep unveils Commander
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New York, New York – Jeep has unveiled the 2006 Commander, the newest member of the Jeep family and the first to offer three rows of seats.
The Commander is significant, says Jeff Bell, Jeep’s vice-president, because, “First, Commander signals our commitment to remain the leader in the sport-utility market. This is the first seven-passenger 4×4 that is Jeep Trail Rated. Second, Commander is the only SUV in its class to offer two V8 engines. And finally, the all-new Jeep Commander initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle lineup that will take place during the second half of this decade.”
Although it is only 50 mm longer than the 2005 Grand Cherokee, the Commander accommodates three rows of seats. It will be available with several drivetrain options. Engine choices are a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with multi-displacement system; 4.7-litre SOHC Power Tech V8; and 3.7-litre SOHC Power Tech V6. There will be three versions of Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive systems available, and two transfer cases offering Brake Traction Control System and Electronic Limited Slip Differentials.
The vehicle is also the first Chrysler Group product with electronic roll mitigation, which deploys air bags in certain rollover scenarios. The Commander will be produced at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit starting in the third quarter of 2005.
