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1999 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Debuts New Inalfa Sunroof

18 August 1998

1999 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee Debuts New Inalfa Sunroof

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 18 -- Nearly 40 percent of all 1999
Jeep(R) Grand Cherokees will feature a factory-installed power sunroof.  This
is more than four times the industry average for sunroof installation,
according to Joseph R. Corace, president and CEO of Inalfa Roof Systems
U.S.A., the sunroof supplier for the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
    "Jeep sport-utility vehicle customers are now, and always have been, a
good match for the sunroof option," said Corace.  "The sunroof adds an element
of luxury to the vehicle, but also represents fun, fresh air and freedom --
attributes that are very important to sport-utility vehicle customers."
    The Jeep Grand Cherokee, which combines rugged utility and upscale luxury,
requires a sunroof that not only can withstand off-road driving conditions,
but augment the vehicle's upscale styling.  Inalfa's tilt-vent-slide sunroof
is reinforced from front to back, providing stability in rugged off-road
driving conditions.  The sunroof also is thinner and lighter than Inalfa's
previous design for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, allowing for more headroom space
and driver comfort.
    Inalfa has been supplying sunroofs to the Jeep Grand Cherokee since 1993.
Corace credits Jeep for igniting sunroof growth in the sport-utility segment.
    "Jeep has always been an innovator and its use of the sunroof as an
upscale amenity has set the standard for SUVs to date," Corace said.  "Other
manufacturers are likely to follow Jeep's lead.  We expect to see significant
growth in the SUV sunroof market over the next several years."
    Based in Auburn Hills, Mich., Inalfa Roof Systems U.S.A. is one of North
America's leading suppliers of roof systems to the automotive industry.
Inalfa Roof Systems U.S.A. is a division of Inalfa Industries of the
Netherlands.  Inalfa Industries has roof system operations throughout North
America, the Pacific Rim and Europe.