2006 North American International Auto Show

January 9, 2006

2007 Jeep Compass
Compact Compass first front-wheel drive Jeep

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Detroit, Michigan - Jeep unveiled its first front-wheel drive-based compact SUV on Monday. Based on the Compass concept vehicle first introduced at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Compass "combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup", says the company.

"Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade," said Mike Accavitti, Vice President-Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "Research indicates this segment, which has already doubled since 1990, is expected to grow to almost 14% of the market in Canada over the next ten years."

Featuring a fully independent suspension and available with front-wheel drive or on-demand all-wheel drive, the Compass has a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-litre 4-cylinder 'world' engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds. Transmissions are a standard five-speed manual and optional Continuously Variable Transaxle with an available AutoStick feature that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. The CVT contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 percent compared with a traditional 4-speed automatic.

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

An optional on-demand all-wheel drive system includes a "Lock" mode to lock torque split 50/50 front/rear. The AWD system includes Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Compass' standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provide a 60-0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 38 metres (125 ft.).

The Compass' interior features:

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Optional Boston Acoustics premium sound system with 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
• Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• A sliding centre armrest moves forward 8 centimetres to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
• Available 110-volt outlet in the centre console powers small electronics
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Available 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline 12 degrees
• Vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both washable and removable
• YES Essentials fabric -- an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and discolouration
• Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere, Illinois plant. Its 'world' engine is built by GEMA in
• Dundee, Michigan. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai.

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