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Dana Corp supplies the 2007 Wrangler with bits

March 20th, 2007 by admin

Dana Corporation Providing Drivetrain Components for New 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler

Supplier Continues 66-Year History with Vehicle

Dana Corporation announced today that it is supplying Spicer(R) front and rear axles and Spicer Life Series(R) front and rear propshafts to the Chrysler Group for the new 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler. The enhanced axles and Spicer Life Series propshafts are designed to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), while the propshafts also help to improve crash performance.

Dana has provided axles and propshafts continuously for the Jeep Wrangler since the Willys MA was first introduced in 1941. The supply arrangement is believed to be the longest in the automotive industry.

“Dana is pleased to extend its historic relationship with this vehicle by providing enhanced axles and new propshaft technology for the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler,” said Michael J. Burns, Dana chairman and CEO. “By working closely with the Chrysler Group, we have been able to reduce component complexity while providing drivers with advanced drivetrain technology.”

Dana provides front and rear steel propshafts for both the standard and extended-wheelbase versions of the Wrangler. The front propshafts feature staked-and-centered cardan universal joints, which improve refinement - resulting in an enhanced high-speed dynamic performance.

The propshafts on both the standard and extended-wheelbase versions feature a splined-tube design, which allows for additional plunge beyond a straight-tube design. The manufacturing technology ensures precise component orientation, which substantially improves propshaft balance characteristics.

The enhanced Spicer front and rear axles are balanced for improved NVH characteristics. The rear axles are available with an optional Spicer Trac- Lok(R) limited slip differential.

The new 2007 Jeep Wrangler also features a Victor Reinz(R) cylinder-head cover assembly on the 2.4L engine and exhaust manifold gaskets on the 4.0L Power Tech engine.

About Dana Corporation

Dana is a leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies. Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle and engine producer in the world. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with operations throughout the world, Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. The company’s continuing operations reported sales of $8.6 billion in 2005. Dana’s Internet address is www.dana.com.

Dana and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries are operating under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code as debtors in possession. Information about the bankruptcy proceedings can be found at www.dana.com/reorganization. While Dana continues its reorganization under Chapter 11, investments in its securities are highly speculative. Although shares of Dana common stock continue to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol “DCNAQ,” the trading prices of the shares may have little or no relationship to the actual recovery, if any, by the holders under any eventual court-approved reorganization plan. The opportunity for any recovery by holders of Dana common stock under such reorganization plan is uncertain and shares of Dana common stock may be canceled without any compensation pursuant to such plan.

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What SUV buyers want - study tells all

March 20th, 2007 by admin

Luxury SUV Shoppers Want Comfort and Performance, While Non-Luxury SUV Considerers Look for Fuel Efficiency and Reliability

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research’s latest report series, Brand Watch, which reveals key decision factors among consumers in the purchase consideration process, shows the two most important factors of luxury SUV shoppers are driving comfort and driving performance, whereas the non-luxury SUV shopper considers fuel efficiency and durability/reliability the two most important factors in considering an SUV. Falling in the middle of the top five consideration factors for both of these groups is safety. Among luxury SUV shoppers Lexus ranked No. 1 for driving comfort, their top consideration factor. Among non-luxury SUV considerers, Toyota ranked No. 1 for fuel efficiency, durability/reliability and safety, the segment’s top three consideration factors.

Brand Watch asked both luxury and non-luxury SUV intenders their opinions and perceptions regarding up to 17 different attributes associated specifically with SUVs. New-vehicle shoppers were asked to not only rank these attributes in importance, but to also rate each manufacturer on those important factors. The price-point difference between luxury and non-luxury SUV considerers leads the top five attributes among these two consideration groups to be nearly opposites.

Shoppers who can afford a luxury vehicle can also afford gas at $3.50 a gallon and are much more concerned with driving performance and driving comfort than fuel efficiency and reliability. Those concerned with fuel efficiency and reliability are much more cost-conscious overall and less likely to consider a luxury vehicle.

In the luxury SUV shoppers group, GMC’s luxury Denali line topped the rankings for seating-capacity, towing and being family-friendly, but tied for last place with Saab among considerers when it comes to prestige and brand status. In the prestige and brand status category, consumers ranked Mercedes-Benz at the top. For brand cachet and perception among consumers, HUMMER and Cadillac came in close behind Mercedes-Benz among luxury SUV shoppers. And while Hummer placed high for brand and prestige, the military-style vehicle ranked last for luxuriousness and sophistication, where again Mercedes-Benz garnered the top slot.

Perceptions of vehicle brands in the non-luxury shopping group placed Toyota and Honda high for the majority of attribute categories including comfort, reliability and safety, but when it comes to stylishness, layout/design and versatility/flexibility, non-luxury SUV intenders rate Ford highest for those attributes.

In-market shoppers’ make/model choices are clearly influenced by brand perceptions and brand-level campaigns. It appears that the branding campaigns executed by some of the domestic luxury SUV brands are paying off.

Available to vehicle manufacturers and auto industry professionals, Brand Watch taps into more than 12,000 active and in-market shoppers annually to determine their perception of vehicle makes within specific automotive segments. Brand Watch further delves into how each manufacturer’s brand equity differs across vehicle segments, compares the relative standing of each make vs. competitive makes, and the decision factors of shoppers within each make and segment. Detailed demographic and psychographic information is also collected, reported and detailed throughout Brand Watch’s comprehensive study available quarterly from Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research.

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Jeep Patriot: new ad campaigns

March 13th, 2007 by admin

An Offer to ‘Choose Your Adventure’ and an Online Interactive Film Drive the Marketing Campaign for the All-New 2007 Jeep(R) Patriot

* Unique film helps viewers experience the features and capabilities of the Jeep Patriot * TV spots, print ads and online ads are among other elements launching March 15 * ‘March Madness’ media will play a big role in the campaign

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — For the second time in as many months, the Jeep(R) brand has created a cutting-edge Internet experience designed to provide consumers an online immersion into the features and capabilities of the all-new 2007 Jeep Patriot compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV).

“Wolf” TV Spot (May have to copy and paste web address into your browser): http://wm.world.mii-/ streaming.net/media/convergent/dcstudios/VIDEO/2007/mar/patriot_wolf.wmv

In February the Jeep brand and Marvel Comics unveiled “The Patriot Factor,” an online adventure comic book whose story line is being provided by consumers at www.patriotadventure.com.

Today, as part of the nationwide marketing launch for the Jeep Patriot, the brand introduced “The Way Beyond Trail,” an online interactive film. Consumers can join three characters who drive a Jeep Patriot while searching for a buried treasure. Consumers directly impact the evolution of the plot through their viewing choices, making “The Way Beyond Trail” a unique and truly interactive experience.

Product features of the Jeep Patriot are integral to the story line. In one scene, for example, the lead female character invites a group of people to a tailgate party by cranking up the music on the Patriot’s two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate.

“‘The Way Beyond Trail’ and ‘The Patriot Factor’ combine the timeless magic of story-telling with the power and reach of the Internet,” Jay Kuhnie, Director - Jeep Communications, said. “Both applications allow us to engage prospective customers of the Jeep Patriot in an environment that is interactive and entertaining, which resonates well with them.”

“The Way Beyond Trail,” which goes live on March 15 at www.patriotadventure.com, is a unique element of the marketing campaign for the 2007 Jeep Patriot. The campaign also includes two new 30-second TV spots, print ads, online advertising, a Hispanic campaign, product integration, events, direct mail, billboards and other out-of-home elements.

Overall, the theme of the Jeep Patriot marketing campaign, “choose your adventure,” is reinforced within the major elements of the campaign. For example, “The Way Beyond Trail” has 44 scenes (ranging from 15-30 seconds in length) and participants choose their path through the adventure.

Even the print ads allow readers to choose how they will interact with them.

Ultimately, the campaign theme takes its cue from the 2007 Jeep Patriot. That’s because the all-new vehicle delivers the fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4×4 capability that allows anyone to “choose your adventure.”

“The Jeep Patriot is targeted at young, active men and women who always wanted a Jeep but couldn’t afford one,” John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing and Global Communications, said. “Now, these consumers can choose their adventure in a Jeep Patriot because it delivers the Jeep experience at an affordable starting price - $14,985.”

Among the key elements of the campaign are:

Media

From now until April 1, Jeep Patriot advertising will be prominent wherever there’s news about March Madness, the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship. For example, sports-themed banners about the Jeep Patriot will appear on virtually every Web site devoted to sports, including ESPN.com, SportingNews.com, SportsIllustrated.com, as well as the home pages of AOL and Yahoo!, among others. The two TV spots will get frequent airing on TV sports programming such as CBS Sports, College Sports TV, Fox Sports and College Hoops Network. Print ads already have appeared in USA Today and will continue during March Madness.

The Way Beyond Trail

The main characters are Gary, Srini and Jodi. (The same trio appears in the TV commercials for the 2007 Jeep Patriot.) Each online participant becomes the fourth member of the group of friends on a backwoods camping trip. The story starts around a campfire when Gary reveals an old family treasure map handed down from his uncle. The three friends, plus the viewer, decide they’ll be the ones to find it.

It is possible to complete the adventure without viewing all 44 scenes. Part of the challenge and fun is that some scenes are dead ends. However, players can simply go back and make a different choice to keep the story going. There is only one correct path that leads participants to the ending scene of the interactive film.

Participants can customize their experience by uploading photos and personal information that will reappear as embedded content within the film.

There is also a viral component. Participants have the option to provide an Emergency Contact person (name and e-mail address) in the event they get “lost.” On the first instance of encountering a dead end, an e-mail is automatically sent to their Emergency Contact, inviting them to try their own luck on “The Way Beyond Trail.”

TV Spot Descriptions

“Wolf” — At a riverside campsite, Gary and Srini pull a prank on Jodi by taking her canoe from the roof of her 2007 Jeep Patriot. As they head to the river to make their escape, Jodi can’t awaken her male partner. So she fires up the Jeep Patriot and pursues the pranksters on a path that goes parallel to the river. After driving through rugged terrain which the Jeep Patriot handles effortlessly, Jodi stops ahead of the fleeing canoe. On the opposite bank of the river she spots a wolf on a rock. She takes her forefinger and thumb and puts them in front of her face. She picks up the wolf with her fingers and drops it into the canoe. Terrified, Gary and Srini jump into the river and escape.

“Wake Up” — The interior features of the Jeep Patriot are highlighted as two campers load their gear into the rear of the vehicle. A third camper, however, is asleep in his tent. Nothing rouses him: not his friends raising the volume of the Patriot’s MP3 player, or pointing the flip-down speakers directly at the tent and blasting music. Finally, one of the campers takes his forefinger and thumb and puts them in front of his eye and picks up the guy’s tent. He lifts it over the water and dumps his friend into the lake.

“Wolf” will first air on March 15 during the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament. “Wake Up” debuts March 20. Both will run on sports, music, entertainment and news programming, on late-night shows, and on networks such as Fox, ABC, NBC, E!, MTV and FX.

“Animales” is the title of the TV campaign targeted at Hispanics. There are two Spanish-language 30-second TV spots scheduled to start airing in April on Univision, Telefutura, Galavision, ESPN Deportes, GolTV, LatiNation and Mun2.

“Mosquito” — A chameleon is interrupted by his friend the mosquito moments before he prepares for lunch. The mosquito explains how he noticed a new animal — the Jeep Patriot — in the forest. Intrigued, the chameleon follows and tries to make it his next meal. As the Jeep Patriot drives through the forest, showcasing the capability of its Freedom Drive II(TM) Off-road Package, the mosquito follows its every move. Just as mosquito begins his final approach the Patriot kicks up mud in his face and the mosquito flies blindly into a tree head first.

“Weasel” — An amorous weasel wanders through the forest and stumbles upon a new animal — the Jeep Patriot — which seems to be singing a beautiful song. The Weasel eagerly approaches the Patriot, admiring its classic angles and modern features, such as the rear-liftgate speakers which projects the beautiful song throughout the forest. The Weasel is overcome with emotion and falls in love with the Jeep Patriot.

“Family Tree” is a print ad in English and Spanish that will appear in such Hispanic publications as Billboard Latino, Futbol Mundial, Latino U, Urban Latino, Fox Sports en Espanol, ESPN Deportes, among others.

Print Ads

There are two versions of an ad called “Connect the Dots.” Each has a photo of the Jeep Patriot in a field of dots that are assigned to numbers. One set of numbers and dots is red, the other is blue. Readers can choose to connect the red or blue dots. Each yields a different image.

The other print execution is a full-page spread with a sticker insert. There are two versions of this ad. One spread shows a forest scene. It is divided by an insert that has stickers on both sides. The stickers are removable pictures of the Jeep Patriot, plus people, clothing and gear that would be found in a forest. Readers can remove the stickers and arrange them any way they want on the forest page. The possibilities for this version of “choose your adventure” are limitless. The second version of this ad uses a beach scene, with related stickers that also can be placed wherever the reader likes.

A sampling of the print placements includes sports publications (Sports Illustrated; ESPN, the annual March Madness Preview Section of USA Today), music (Rolling Stone, and Spin,), men’s lifestyle (Maxim, Details, GQ, Men’s Health,) outdoor/adventure (Surfer, Four Wheeler, Runner’s World) and women’s lifestyle (Jane, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan).

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Yes, Lojack can help Society - here’s proof

March 9th, 2007 by admin

Week of High Profile LoJack Recoveries Underscores System’s Benefits to Society

LoJack System Recovers Assets and Helps Police Crack Major Organized Crime Rings, Get Violent Criminals Off our Streets

WESTWOOD, Mass. — In the past week, LoJack Corporation’s (NASDAQ:LOJN) Stolen Vehicle Recovery System has been instrumental in helping police arrest criminals involved in carjacking, kidnapping and other criminal activities and has again led police to major organized crime rings. The events of the past week underscore LoJack’s effectiveness in recovering stolen mobile assets, and in helping police to apprehend the violent criminals behind these and other more serious crimes.

These recent recoveries are ideal examples of how our time-tested System continues to benefit society - recovery after recovery - by helping police not only track and recover stolen assets, but also to arrest the thieves behind these crimes. These recoveries highlight the unmatched effectiveness of our Radio Frequency technology, which for example, enabled police to quickly track and recover a stolen motorcycle housed in a metal building. They also continue to validate the importance of LoJack’s direct integration with law enforcement who use our tracking computers to pinpoint the location of stolen assets.

About the Recoveries:

Recovery Involves Carjacking, Kidnapping, Robbery, Sexual Assault

In this California recovery, a couple was carjacked, kidnapped, robbed and the female was sexually assaulted. The couple, who each had a vehicle at the scene, was sitting in one of their cars when two suspects approached the vehicle, robbed the male of his wallet and keys, and stole both the car they were in and their second vehicle. The suspects sexually assaulted the female and dumped the victims on the shoulder of a freeway. The victims flagged down a car, called 911 and reported the crime. Police activated the LoJack unit in one of the stolen vehicles, which led California Highway Patrol flying in a fixed-wing aircraft to locate it. Police arrested two suspects and are currently pursuing three others. The second stolen vehicle was also recovered by authorities.

Police Bust Major Chop Shop Involving Construction Equipment, Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles

On March 6, Washington State Police uncovered the second of two related major chop shops, recovering more than $300,000 in stolen construction equipment, trucks, cars and motorcycles. The investigation began when a LoJack-equipped dump truck was reported stolen and tracked and recovered by police in less than four hours after activation. Police discovered the first chop shop at a Battle Ground, WA location and, during the investigation, identified another suspicious location in Ridgefield, WA, which was found to be a second chop shop. Two suspects were arrested and the investigation continues.

Police Discover Motorcycle Chop Shop by Recovering Bike in Metal Building

In this recovery, a stolen LoJack-equipped 2006 Yamaha motorcycle was recovered by Fort Worth, TX police in an industrial park. The LoJack System’s proprietary Radio Frequency technology was able to penetrate the metal building and led police to the stolen motorcycle within an hour and 12 minutes after activation. Upon securing a search warrant, police entered the premise, recovered the stolen bike and also discovered a Suzuki and Kawasaki that had been stolen earlier in the day. Three suspects were arrested.

LoJack-Equipped Vehicle Leads Police to Suspect with Violent Past; Two Massachusetts Schools Forced into Lockdown

In this recovery, a Massachusetts State Trooper began tracking the LoJack signal from a vehicle, which had been stolen about an hour earlier in Boston. The police gave chase, and the suspect abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot to the Marshfield Middle School. The Marshfield Middle School and High School were immediately put into lockdown by alert staff. The Marshfield Police Department arrived on the scene, while the suspect attempted to open a number of locked doors to the middle school. The suspect, who according to local authorities had a “long record of violent acts,” was subsequently arrested at the high school.

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Daylight Savings Switch leads to Drowsy Driving

March 9th, 2007 by admin

Move to Daylight Savings Time Increases Risk of Drowsy Driving

More than a third of drivers admit to falling asleep at wheel; National Road Safety Foundation offers tips to stay awake on the road

NEW YORK — As clocks spring ahead for the start of daylight savings time this weekend, roads and highways throughout the nation become a bit more dangerous, according to the National Road Safety Foundation, Inc., a non-profit group that provides free driver safety programs for schools and other organizations.

The change throws off our internal clock, and it can take as long as two weeks for our bodies to adjust.

Drowsiness is a condition most drivers fail to recognize, and it can be as dangerous as drinking and driving. Studies show 60 percent of us have driven while feeling fatigued, and more than a third admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year. Drowsiness is a factor in a substantial number of traffic crashes.

Experts list several signs that should warn a driver to stop and rest:

— Difficulty focusing, with frequent blinking
— Daydreaming or not remembering the last few miles driven
— Head nodding
— Repeated yawning or rubbing eyes
— Drifting out of your lane, tailgating or hitting shoulder rumble strips

If you experience any of these warning signs, pull over at the next exit or a safe rest area and take a break or a 20-minute nap. Have a cup or two of coffee or caffeinated snacks and allow 30 minutes for the caffeine to enter your bloodstream. Don’t drink alcohol or take medication.

Sleep-induced crashes are often very serious, since the driver does not take evasive or corrective action as the vehicle loses control.

Over the past 40 years, the National Road Safety Foundation has produced films and teaching materials that have been used to train millions of young drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding and aggressive driving. The Foundation’s newest program, “Almost Home,” deals with drowsy driving. For information on “Almost Home” and other free driver education programs, call 1-800-SAFEPATH or visit www.nationalroadsafety.org.

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NAVTEQ aquires Traffic.com

March 7th, 2007 by admin

NAVTEQ (NYSE:NVT) , a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, today completed its previously announced acquisition of Traffic.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRFC) , a leading provider of personalized traffic information for drivers coast-to-coast.

In accordance with the terms of the acquisition, as announced on November 6, 2006, NAVTEQ acquired all the outstanding shares of common stock of Traffic.com. The total consideration to be paid in the transaction is approximately $177 million, subject to pending elections by stockholders and certain option holders of Traffic.com.

NAVTEQ and Traffic.com have agreed to extend the deadline for holders of Traffic.com common stock and certain options to purchase Traffic.com common stock, who may elect the type of merger consideration they prefer to receive, and for warrant holders who are exchanging their warrants to purchase shares of Traffic.com stock for shares of NAVTEQ common stock from 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 20, 2007 to the same time on March 27, 2007. Holders of Traffic.com common stock and certain options to purchase Traffic.com common stock may elect to receive (subject to certain conditions, including those pertaining to pro-ration) merger consideration of either (i) $8.00 in cash, without interest, or (ii) 0.235 shares of NAVTEQ common stock (in the case of holders of options, less the exercise price of such options and any applicable tax withholding amounts). The extension of the election deadline is intended to permit a sufficient amount of time for such holders to submit their forms of election and letters of transmittal, as applicable, for processing and payment by NAVTEQ’s exchange agent, who is handling these matters.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 2,200 employees located in 144 offices in 27 countries.

NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

About Traffic.com

Traffic.com(R) is a leading provider of personalized traffic information for drivers coast-to-coast. Through the industry’s most advanced data collection infrastructure, Traffic.com provides comprehensive coverage to 50 Designated Market Areas (DMAs) encompassing 83 of the most traffic congested U.S. cities. Traffic.com solutions include predictive traffic trends, vehicle speeds, congestion levels, travel times, and delay times. Customers include broadcast media, interactive, portable navigation, data services businesses and government agencies, and solutions are delivered via radio, television, Web, wireless device, and in-vehicle navigation systems. Traffic.com’s unique multi-platform distribution network creates unique, powerful branding opportunities for advertisers, enabling them to expand their reach and target consumers with useful, relevant content multiple times per day. Traffic.com’s business partners include AOL, Comcast, Garmin International Inc., Microsoft, NAVTEQ, The Weather Channel(R), and XM Satellite Radio.

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High Speed Superboat racing back in Detroit - DC and Jeep sponsor

March 6th, 2007 by admin

Roar Returns To River July 13-15 for “2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA ‘Gold Cup’ Race” With Ulta-High Speed Boats

Oldest Motor Sports Trophy In World Draws Unlimited Hydroplane Boats Covering A Football Field In Less Than A Second At 200 MPH With 3,000 HP

DETROIT, March 6 — The “Super Bowl” of powerboat racing has been secured for the weekend of July 13-15, 2007 on the Detroit River with the title sponsorship announcement today (Tuesday) by the Chrysler Jeep Superstores.

The announcement was made by Jim Schebil, president, Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association of Southeastern Michigan.

This is the oldest motor sports trophy in the world and draws the fastest power boats in the world to the Detroit River as the world watches the best drivers in the world fight for the Gold Cup.

The unlimited hydroplane boats skim on top of the water covering a football field in less than one second at more than 200 MPH with 3,000 horsepower engines.

Details of the race will be announced in the spring by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Schebil and Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) officials, according to Schebil.

The deep, fast waters of the Detroit River are universally recognized in power boat racing as the most challenging water race course in the world. These boats are really flying wings that barely touch the water at 200 MPH on a race course that changes every second under the boat.

The Gold Cup was originally crafted by artisans at Tiffany & Co. in 1901 and was totally restored and refurbished in 2004.

The DRRA, a voluntary association of several hundred racing enthusiasts, produces the family-friendly party on the river with the Gold Cup races during three days of festival events. For more information call 586-774-0980 or log on to: www.gold-cup.com.

The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is made up of the 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. Web site: www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com.

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