Jeep 101 Cross-Country Weekend Driving Adventure Visits Chicagoland Speedway

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 29 -- Thousands of consumers and their families will experience the Jeep(R) brand firsthand when the entire line of Jeep vehicles rolls into Chicagoland Speedway for a two-day visit at this year's Jeep 101(R), the weekend of October 16-17. Specially designed on- and off-road courses will give event-goers the opportunity to put Jeep vehicles through a series of capability tests. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days and is free of charge. Guests will be able to register to win a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Chicagoland Speedway is the tenth stop on the Jeep 101 nationwide tour, which is visiting 13 locations around the country, including eight military bases. The national tour kicked off at Fort Dix in Wrightstown, N.J., on May 8. It will visit six additional military bases and five public venues, winding up in Tampa, Fla., in November.

Jeep 101 lets consumers test drive Jeep vehicles on challenging on- and off-road driving courses. The street course offers everyday driving tips, including safe acceleration and steering and braking techniques. The off-road course is specially constructed at each event and helps guests learn to navigate off-road challenges, such as steep grades, rocky trails and log crossings, under the guidance of a trained driving instructor. Each driving program conveys safety and educational messages in a fun, interactive environment. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license to participate in the ride-and-drive activities.

Guests at Jeep 101 will be among the first to drive the new Wrangler Unlimited, a roomier, more comfortable version of the classic Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler models also will be available to test drive along with vehicle models from competing brands.

"The Jeep brand continues to be the only American brand dedicated solely to the sport-utility market," said Jeff Bell, Vice President of Jeep Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Jeep brand has been helping people to expand their boundaries and life experiences for more than 60 years. When it comes to sharing the experience of legendary Jeep 4x4 capability with consumers, Jeep has done it through Camp Jeep(R), Jeep Jamborees, music, gaming and many other award-winning initiatives. It's a heroic brand with a rich heritage, just like the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces."

Special displays will help members of the military connect with Jeep's origins as the primary transportation vehicle for military personnel. Displays, highlighting the Jeep brand and its rich military history, will feature a number of Jeep military vehicles dating back to World War II.

The lifestyle side of Jeep 101 features a number of interactive displays and activities, including a mountain bike course, Jeep brand video games, informative product displays, historical vehicles and a special "Jeep Kidz" area where future Jeepers can drive "Power Wheels" mini-Jeep vehicles. New partner SoBe Beverages will also bring the SoBe Love Bus on site with giveaways of SoBe beverages, interactive games and chances to win other prizes.

Jeep 101 is one of several owner-loyalty programs created by the Jeep division of Chrysler Group. Jeep Jamborees, which began in the 1950s, are the original off-highway vacation. The success of Jeep Jamborees spawned Camp Jeep, an annual outdoor lifestyle vacation experience launched 10 years ago. The enthusiastic response to Camp Jeep led to the spin-off of Jeep 101.