Jim Morrison wants Canadians to have fun in the snow. As Chrysler’s Senior Manager of Product Planning, it’s his job to devise attractive pricing schemes for the vehicles and packages within Chrysler’s numerous brands.
Lately, Morrison has been keeping extra busy with Chrysler’s evolving Jeep marquee. A superstar performer for Chrysler of late, various Jeep models were even experiencing double-digit sales growth in the middle of a recession.
Why?
According to Morrison, a combination of attractive pricing, proven Jeep capability, and several Canada-specific packages are partly to thank. In fact, for under $20,000, shoppers could get into an entry-level 4x4 Jeep, and start enjoying a smug sense of defeat over the elements and terrain.
“We’ve even got customers coming to Jeep from small cars” Morrison commented. “For the same payment as a Civic or Corolla, you could get into something with real four-wheel drive capability’.
Jeeps were once simple, four-wheel drive military utility vehicles-- but continual re-invention over the decades is moving them into more and more driveways.
Why four wheel drive? Canadian winters can toss any sort of driving conditions our way, and that’s just what Jeeps 4x4 products are built to tackle.
Sure, thousands of Canadians get around fine in two-wheel drive cars-- but more motorists than ever are finding value in the added confidence that comes with powering all four wheels.
Jeep products power all four of their wheels through one of several 4x4 systems built to match the goals of the vehicle and its shopper’s needs. If you’re considering a Jeep product for your next vehicle, you can use the following information as a bit of a guide.
Freedom Drive I
Jeeps 4x4 drivetrain lineup starts off with a system called ‘Freedom Drive I’. Available on the Jeep Patriot or Jeeps entry-model, the Compass, it’s engineered to deliver a blend of automatic traction and fuel efficiency.
Under normal driving conditions, only the front wheels are powered to save fuel. At the slightest sign of wheelspin from the front axle, a computer-controlled centre ‘coupler’ begins pumping the excess power to the rear wheels-- rather than overpowering the ones in front. This happens instantly, and with no driver involvement needed.
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| Photo: Jim Frenak/Chrysler Canada |
Lately, Morrison has been keeping extra busy with Chrysler’s evolving Jeep marquee. A superstar performer for Chrysler of late, various Jeep models were even experiencing double-digit sales growth in the middle of a recession.
Why?
According to Morrison, a combination of attractive pricing, proven Jeep capability, and several Canada-specific packages are partly to thank. In fact, for under $20,000, shoppers could get into an entry-level 4x4 Jeep, and start enjoying a smug sense of defeat over the elements and terrain.
“We’ve even got customers coming to Jeep from small cars” Morrison commented. “For the same payment as a Civic or Corolla, you could get into something with real four-wheel drive capability’.
Jeeps were once simple, four-wheel drive military utility vehicles-- but continual re-invention over the decades is moving them into more and more driveways.
Why four wheel drive? Canadian winters can toss any sort of driving conditions our way, and that’s just what Jeeps 4x4 products are built to tackle.
Sure, thousands of Canadians get around fine in two-wheel drive cars-- but more motorists than ever are finding value in the added confidence that comes with powering all four wheels.
Jeep products power all four of their wheels through one of several 4x4 systems built to match the goals of the vehicle and its shopper’s needs. If you’re considering a Jeep product for your next vehicle, you can use the following information as a bit of a guide.
Freedom Drive I
Jeeps 4x4 drivetrain lineup starts off with a system called ‘Freedom Drive I’. Available on the Jeep Patriot or Jeeps entry-model, the Compass, it’s engineered to deliver a blend of automatic traction and fuel efficiency.
Under normal driving conditions, only the front wheels are powered to save fuel. At the slightest sign of wheelspin from the front axle, a computer-controlled centre ‘coupler’ begins pumping the excess power to the rear wheels-- rather than overpowering the ones in front. This happens instantly, and with no driver involvement needed.
 |
| Photo: Jim Frenak/Chrysler Canada |