Jeep(R) Brand Sales Posting Impressive Gains with New Models Set to Build on Legendary Jeep Capability and Innovative Heritage

* Jeep(R) brand sales up nine percent year-over-year * Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Liberty posting impressive sales increases * All-new Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Liberty models set to join recently introduced Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - part of product offensive at Jeep brand

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 6 -- Jeep(R) brand sales continue to hum along in 2004 with the brand posting a significant sales gain of nine percent in year-to-date sales through July. Jeep Liberty sales of 17,168 units last month set a new sales record for July, and are up 11 percent for the year. The icon of the Jeep brand, Jeep Wrangler, has posted a phenomenal 28 percent sales increase this year on the heels of the recently introduced Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. In addition, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales are down just a slim one percent for the year versus last year as the company makes room for the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which debuts this fall.

"Building on this rising tide, we're excited about the future of the Jeep brand," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Jeep and Chrysler. "We introduced the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into dealerships this past spring and it has been a hit with consumers, driving Jeep Wrangler sales to several monthly sales records. Coming this fall is the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Liberty Diesel and Jeep Liberty Renegade models. This represents four new models to the Jeep lineup this year alone, with the product expansion continuing next year."

Freedom, adventure, mastery, authenticity and the capability to go anywhere and do anything have always been the hallmarks of the Jeep brand around the world. It's a reputation earned during more than six decades of SUV mastery.

Earlier this year, the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited added more versatility to the icon of the Jeep brand with 15 inches added to its overall length. The Wrangler Unlimited delivers 13 inches more cargo area and two inches more second-row leg room, while maintaining the unmatched open-air fun and 4x4 capability of the original Jeep Wrangler.

New 2005 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Liberty Diesel

Now, for the 2005 model year, the Jeep brand continues to grow with the introduction this fall of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Jeep Liberty Diesel and Jeep Liberty Renegade.

The all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee raises the performance bar to a new level by offering improved off-road capability and superior on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of premium amenities.

With best-in-class tractive capability and best-in-class power, the newest generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on paved or unpaved surfaces. Among the many firsts in the 2005 model year for Jeep Grand Cherokee is first-time availability of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

The new 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade will offer a distinct exterior when compared to the Sport and Limited models and will appeal to a slightly different buyer with its more rugged design. The Jeep Liberty Renegade model will feature a new flatter hood and taller grille, plus off-road fog lamps, tailamp guards, fender flares and available all-terrain tires.

In addition to the design changes, the Jeep Liberty will be offered with a new diesel engine option for the first time in North American markets. The newly revised 2.8-liter turbo common rail diesel engine (CRD) gives buyers state-of-the-art technology to fit their lifestyle. The 2.8-liter CRD is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission on the 4x4 Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited models.

"The Jeep brand will continue to provide rugged, versatile 4x4 vehicles which fulfill the brand's promise of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity," said Bell. "It's a reputation Jeep has earned during more than six decades of 4x4 leadership. As we grow the brand, Jeep vehicles will continue to be what they have always been -- the most capable."

Jeep Trail-Rated Capability

The Jeep Trail Rated badge shows that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability, Articulation and Water Fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology established by the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) and Jeep Engineering to objectively measure and consistently predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated environmental tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road performance Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Jeep Trail Rated.

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