All-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Earns ‘Top Safety Pick’ From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

• 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee becomes the latest Chrysler Group vehicle to earn “Top Safety Pick” status
• Chrysler Group LLC holds more than 20 percent of the total IIHS 2010 Top Safety Picks in the mid-size SUV segment and more than 12 percent
•  overall Chrysler Group demonstrates continued leadership in occupant protection and overall vehicle engineering capability.
• All-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep capability, uncompromised on-road experience and more than 45 safety and security features

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jun 2, 2010 – Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has received a Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating the organization bestows.

 “The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first production vehicle to launch since our alliance with Fiat and a ‘Top Safety Pick’ is a great way to start our 2011 product offensive,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. ―IIHS‘ recognition of five products underscores Chrysler Group‘s engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection.”

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee joins the 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Dodge Avenger, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, and the 2010 Jeep® Patriot (equipped with available seat mounted air bag) as 2010 Top Safety Picks, according to IIHS.

“The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee provides consumers with enhanced safety and security, in addition to legendary Jeep capability and a premium driving experience,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand. ―”With more than 45 different safety and security systems working in harmony – including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation, Active Head Restraints, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and a Blind-Spot/Rear Cross-path detection system – our new Jeep Grand Cherokee will allow customers to benefit from a new level of protection, on- and off-road.”

Chrysler Group vehicles represent more than 20 percent of the total mid-size SUVs awarded Top Safety Pick status by IIHS to automakers and more than 12 percent of the overall Top Safety Picks in all segments. The awards recognize automobiles with ESC that perform well in the Institute’s front-impact, side-impact, rear-impact and new for 2010, roof-strength evaluations.

“Vehicles that earn ‘Top Safety Pick’ meet the highest standards for crash test performance,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “This award means that buyers of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee are getting state-of-the-art safety for the best protection in the most common kinds of crashes, and electronic stability control, which our research shows can help prevent crashes altogether.”

 The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2010 Jeep Patriot, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger
and 2010 Dodge Journey encompass a two-fold approach to safety—passive features combined with accident-avoidance features. Standard or available safety and security features on all five vehicles include ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags.

Chrysler Group’s five Top Safety Picks encompass a two-fold approach to safety—passive features combined with accident-avoidance systems. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2010 Jeep Patriot, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger and 2010 Dodge Journey also feature the company‘s new active head restraint system for front-seat occupants. This new system augments the head restraints ability to minimize neck injuries caused by rear-impact accidents. In the event of a rear impact, the head restraints deploy to remove the space between the occupants head and the restraint to help minimize whiplash type injuries.

All-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

 Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium sport-utility vehicle segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now, more than 4 million sales later, Jeep delivers an all-new Grand Cherokee that balances legendary Jeep capability with improved, sophisticated on-road dynamics that deliver a premium driving experience.

 Capability highlights include a choice of three 4×4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain systems, and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. On-road dynamics are improved courtesy of new independent front and rear suspension systems and a new body structure that dramatically increases torsional stiffness for reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels.

The design of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts an all-new sculpted body and athletic profile that define a sleek exterior and aerodynamic finesse. CommandView® – a new dual-pane panoramic sun roof – extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. A world-class interior design is highlighted by premium soft-touch interior materials for all models. The interior provides consumers with more than four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room, and 17 percent more cargo volume.

Chrysler Group‘s all-new 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine boasts an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, delivering up to 23 mpg and over 500 miles on one tank of gas. The all-new flexible-fuel engine is standard on the Grand Cherokee, and features Variable-valve Timing (VVT), double overhead camshafts and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.

Numerous advanced technology features are offered, including live mobile TV (FLO TV), SIRIUS Backseat TV and Uconnect™ Web, which transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×2 pricing starts at $30,995 – $495 lower than the outgoing model. Laredo 4×4 pricing starts at $32,995 – $465 lower than the outgoing model.

More than 45 safety and security features are available in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including standard Active Head Restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, and Trailer-sway Control. A Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning are available.

Following is a list of safety and security features available in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• Active Head Restraints: Deploy in the event of a rear collision. Restraints are designed to reduce injuries by minimizing the gap between the head restraint and the passenger‘s head
• Active Turn Signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for one second to indicate a lane change
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): The system decreases the vehicle‘s pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane. The system will accelerate to the pre-set speed when the vehicle in front speeds up or moves into another lane. ACC will maintain a driver adjustable distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic without having to continuously adjust settings
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions 
• Anti-lock Brake System with Rough-road Detection: Anti-lock brake system is capable of detecting if the vehicle is driving on a rough road by the oscillations in the wheel speed signals. When rough road is detected on off-road surfaces or trails, ABS enters a different pressure control where it will hold the brake pressure for longer pulses • BeltAlert: Activates a chime and/or illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without belted front-seat occupants
• Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes, or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime 
• Brake Assist: In an emergency brake situation, the system applies maximum braking power, minimizing the stopping distance
• Brake-traction Control System (BTCS): Helps to keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s)
• Brake Override: When a disagreement exists between the throttle and the brake, the brake signal causes the engine controller to reduce engine power, allowing the operator to stop the car 
• Child Seat Anchor System: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats 
• Constant-force Retractors (CFR): Regulates the force exerted on the occupant by the seat belt, and then gradually releases seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner 
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): An extension of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Uses input from ESC sensors to anticipate if the vehicle is at risk of entering a potential roll situation, then applies the brakes individually and modulates the throttle position as needed 
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the benefit in critical driving situations such as turns, and is valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there is a discernible difference between driver input through the steering wheel and the vehicle‘s path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to guide the vehicle back on to the driver‘s intended path 
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management 
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off flow of fuel to the engine 
• Express Up/Down Windows: One-touch powered express up/down window button located on the front driver and passenger-side door • Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Using forward-facing radar sensors, this system detects when the vehicle may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts the driver so the driver can determine what action must be taken in order to prevent the vehicle from a collision 
• High-intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination 
• Hill-descent Control (HDC): Allows smooth and controlled descent on rough or slippery
  terrain without the driver having to touch the brake pedal. Applies the brakes to each wheel individually when needed to reduce forward motion when negotiating steep grades 
• Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after a driver‘s foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver‘s foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released 
• Keyless Enter-N-Go: When an individual enters the vehicle, electronic sensors detect if the vehicle key fob is present. The vehicle will then allow the individual to push a button to start the vehicle without having to insert the key into the ignition 
• Knee Bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are designed to properly position the occupant during impact, enabling air bags to work effectively 
• Navigation System: Voice-activated navigation system available with real-time traffic to provide precise guidance to destination through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology 
• ParkSense® Rear-park Assist System: Assists at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver and has a display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) integrated into the instrument cluster 
• ParkView™ rear back-up camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before reversing at low speeds. Contains grid line to aid the driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the vehicle‘s trailer hitch, when so equipped. The image is displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse 
• Power Tilt-and-telescoping Steering Column with Memory: Allows steering column to tilt and move toward or away from the driver to achieve a safe and comfortable distance from the advanced multi-stage front driver air bag, if deployed 
• Rain Brake Support: Uses the ESC pump to occasionally push brake pads lightly against brake rotors in rainy conditions in order to keep rotors dry 
• Rain-sensing Wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers 
• Ready Alert Braking: Anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and uses the ESC pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application 
• Rear Cross Path (RCP): In parking lot situations, this system warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. It activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime • Remote (fob) Operated Windows (front windows – down only): Enable an individual to cool down their vehicle passively by opening front windows remotely 
• Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system 
• Remote Start: Conveniently starts the engine and activates key comfort settings based on ambient conditions by using the key fob while maintaining vehicle security 
• Rollover Crash Sensing: Senses a rollover and deploys seat-belt pretensioners and/or standard full-length side-curtain air bags as needed • Seat-belt Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat- belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seatbelt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant‘s head and torso 
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after a few seconds 
• Signal Mirrors: Signal lamp built into the housing of exterior mirrors allows turn signals to be viewed from the front, as well as the sides and rear of the vehicle in order to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians 
• SmartBeam® Headlamps: Headlamp system adjusts to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting 
• Standard Full-length Side-curtain Air Bags: Extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor that autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. This type of air bag is housed in the headliner just above side windows 
• Standard Seat-mounted Side Thorax Air Bags: Provide enhanced protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor that autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. Standard side air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat 
• Three-point Seat Belts: Front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions have lap and shoulder belts 
• Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM): Informs driver when tire pressure is too low. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system
• Trailer-sway Control (TSC): Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. The system monitors the vehicle‘s movement relative to the driver‘s intended path, then applies alternating brake pressure to slow the vehicle and then increases the pressure on one front wheel in order to counteract the sway induced by the trailer 
• Uconnect Phone: In-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows customers to talk on their Bluetooth compatible phone with your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The built-in phonebook sync feature automatically downloads as many as 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones, which can then be selected by simply saying contact name.

*When equipped with available Electronic Stability Control

[Source: Chrysler LLC Blog]