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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

More Than One-Third Say Traffic Congestion is a Serious Problem in Their Community

Over half of those in the Western Region of the United States say traffic is a serious problem

Unfortunately, traffic congestion and their accompanying delays are a fact of life in many communities and for many U.S. adults. Just over one-third (37%) say that traffic congestion is a serious problem in their community, while one-quarter say traffic congestion is a serious problem that is not being addressed. 12 percent say it is a serious problem that is being addressed. Just under two in five (39%) say traffic is a moderate problem and 21 percent say it is not a problem at all.

This is definitely a case of region playing a role. Just one-quarter (26%) of those who live in the Midwest and 32 percent of those in the South say traffic congestion is a serious problem. In the East, over one-third (37%) say traffic congestion is a serious problem. Compare this to the West where over half (56%) believe traffic congestion is a serious problem.

These are some of the results of a Harris Poll of 2,337 U.S. adults conducted online between January 11 and 18, 2007 by Harris Interactive(R).

Would the United States Accept A Congestion Tax?

Recently, the city of London introduced its controversial congestion tax as a way to help reduce traffic levels and all that accompanies it, many people around the world watched to see if the public would accept the policy. While it seems to be going smoothly in London, U.S. adults do not appear to be as ready to embrace such a congestion tax in their cities.

When it comes to imposing a congestion tax in U.S. cities, two-thirds (66%) of adults oppose such a tax with half (51%) saying they strongly oppose it. Just 22 percent say they support it. Even among those who say traffic in their community is a serious problem most would not support such a tax. Only three in ten (29%) of those who say traffic is a serious problem support a congestion tax while 61 percent oppose it. This may be an issue of the importance of cars to Americans and the lack of good public transportation in many U.S. cities, not just a case of not wanting to pay another tax.

Home Purchases Can Lead to Reduced Energy Costs

Harris Interactive also asked people if they would be willing to pay a higher price for a new house that would reduce energy use and could also reduce their monthly heating and cooling bills. Seven in ten U.S. adults say they would be willing to pay more for such a house and only 19 percent said they would not be willing. However, people were not asked how much more they would be willing to pay.

Other findings in this Harris Poll include:

— Over two in five (44%) of those who use public transportation to get to
work say traffic congestion is a serious and unaddressed problem in
their community while less than one-quarter (23%) of those who drive
themselves share this sentiment. This may reflect the greater use of
public transportation in larger cities;
— Just over half (55%) of adults drive themselves to work while only 4
percent each take public transportation, walk or are part of a carpool;
— Those in the East are more likely to drive themselves to work (58%) and
are also more likely to take public transportation (8%), while seven
percent of those in the West say they are part of a carpool.
— Six in ten (61%) of U.S. adults say they are concerned about global
warming while 35 percent are not concerned. There is a gender
difference on this issue as two-thirds of women (67%) say they are
concerned while just 55 percent of men say they are concerned about
global warming;
— When it comes to spending more for a home that would reduce energy
costs, Baby Boomers and Echo Boomers are slightly more likely than
other generations (73% and 72% respectively) to say they would be
willing to do this.

TABLE 1
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
In your opinion, how serious a problem is traffic congestion in your
community?
Base: All adults

Total Region How get to work
Use Public Bike
Mid- Drive Car- Trans- or
East west South West self pool portation Walk
% % % % % % % % %
SERIOUS PROBLEM
(NET) 37 36 26 32 56 36 37 55 33
A serious problem
and it is not
being addressed 25 28 16 19 39 23 30 44 22
A serious problem,
but it is being
addressed 12 9 10 13 17 13 7 11 11
A moderate problem 39 42 43 41 29 44 26 36 34
Not a problem 21 20 27 23 12 18 37 9 21
Not sure 3 2 4 4 3 1 - * 11

Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
“-” No response
*Less Than 0.5%

TABLE 2
SUPPORT FOR CONGESTION TAX

Some cities, such as London, currently use a congestion tax to help reduce traffic congestion. All drivers that travel within the boundaries pay a dailycharge to enter the zone. Would you support or oppose U.S. cities imposing such a tax?

Base: All adults

Total Traffic in their community
Serious problem Moderate or not
a problem
% % %
Support (NET) 22 29 19
Strongly support 5 8 3
Somewhat support 17 22 15
Oppose (NET) 66 61 71
Somewhat oppose 16 15 17
Strongly oppose 51 46 55
Not sure 12 10 10

Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 3
SPENDING MORE TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS
Would you be willing to pay a higher price for a new house or condo that would reduce energy use and could reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills?

Base: All adults

Total Generation
Echo Gen Baby Matures
Boomers Xers Boomers (62 and
(18-30) (31-42) (43-61) over)
% % % % %
WILLING (NET) 70 72 66 73 69
Definitely would be
willing 23 21 24 24 22
Probably would be willing 47 50 42 50 46
NOT WILLING (NET) 19 14 21 19 21
Probably would not be
willing 12 12 13 11 14
Definitely would not be
willing 7 3 7 8 7
Not sure 11 14 14 8 10

Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 4
CONCERN OVER GLOBAL WARMING

How concerned are you with the long-term effects of global warming or global climate change?

Base: All adults

Total Gender
Men Women
% % %
Concerned (NET) 61 55 67
Very concerned 36 34 37
Somewhat concerned 25 21 29
Not concerned (NET) 35 42 29
A little concerned 19 19 18
Not at all concerned 16 23 10
Not sure 4 3 5

Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 5
COMMUTING METHODS
How do you typically get to work?

Base: All adults

Total Region
East Midwest South West
% % % % %
PEOPLE WHO TRAVEL TO WORK (NET) 70 76 70 67 69
Drive self 55 58 57 55 48
Take Public Transportation 4 8 2 3 5
Walk 4 5 4 4 3
Drive, but as part of a carpool 4 3 3 2 7
Bike ride 1 1 * 1 *
Other 3 2 4 2 5
Do not work 28 22 29 32 29

Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.

*Less Than 0.5%

Methodology

This Harris Poll(R) was conducted online within the United States between January 11 and 18, 2007, among 2,337 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

All surveys are subject to several sources of error. These include: sampling error (because only a sample of a population is interviewed); measurement error due to question wording and/or question order, deliberately or unintentionally inaccurate responses, nonresponse (including refusals), interviewer effects (when live interviewers are used) and weighting.

With one exception (sampling error) the magnitude of the errors that result cannot be estimated. There is, therefore, no way to calculate a finite “margin of error” for any survey and the use of these words should be avoided.

With pure probability samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other sources of error) is not greater than some number. With a pure probability sample of 2,337 adults one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/- two percentage points. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

***************************************

Wow! All that data to learn that traffic is a problem, that folks don’t like the idea of global warming and to see that most people drive themselves to work. I’m always amazed that things like this continually happen - the real test is what we all do with this data…

Hot, new Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge Concepts and production vehicles are rolling into the 2007 Cleveland Auto Show and this year’s displays are more interactive than ever. Auto Show goers will get the chance to ride and drive at Camp Jeep(R) Cleveland, the Dodge Performance Zone and the Chrysler Inspired Drive Tour. Don’t miss the following products, concepts and interactive displays at the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge exhibit.

New 2007 Concept Cars

- Chrysler Nassau (yawn)
- Jeep Trailhawk (freakin’ awesome)

Hot, new ‘07-’08 Production Vehicles

- 2008 Chrysler Town Country and Dodge Grand Caravan - debuted at the
Detroit Auto Show (not hot)
- 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible-arriving in showrooms late spring (luke warm)
- 2008 Dodge Dakota-debuted at the Chicago Auto Show (meh)
- 2007 Dodge Nitro-new in showrooms (again, meh)
- 2008 Dodge Avenger-arriving in showrooms this spring (possibilities)
- 2007 Jeep(R) Patriot-arriving in showrooms this spring (not a serious offroader no matter what they say)

Camp Jeep Cleveland

Don’t miss your chance to put a Jeep to the ultimate test with a thrilling Jeep Trail Rated riding experience. Camp Jeep Cleveland features water fording, ground clearance, articulation, traction and maneuverability demonstrations including the famous Jeep Mountain, a 16 foot vertical climb. More than 220 yards (5,700 cubic feet) of dirt and wood chips will be used to construct the Jeep Trail Rated course inside the Cleveland Auto Show. Camp Jeep Cleveland will also feature a Mini Jeep Kidz Course, an 18′ climbing wall, Jeep Gaming Station and the Jeep Photo Zone.

It’s a great way to get used to the level of performance these great vehicles offer in a non-traditional environment. If you like it, you’ll be hooked immediately.

New Dodge Performance Zone

New to Cleveland this year will be the Dodge Performance Zone, where auto show goers can ride with professional drivers through live demonstrations of slalom, traction, braking and acceleration tests up to 28 mph in a Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8 or Dodge Nitro.

New Chrysler Inspired Drive Tour

The weekend of March 2-4 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, auto show attendees can get behind the wheel of a 2007 Chrysler Aspen, 300 or Sebring for a hands-on experience with Chrysler’s stylish designs and unique state-of the art innovations including: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), MyGIG(TM) Infotainment, Stow ‘n Go(R), HEMI(R) Engines, Rear Park Assist and much more.

I’ve actually done this before, and it’s a lot of fun. The course is short, but designed to showcase the practical application of all that technology. It’s amazing how well it all works together. My funniest experience was when the tech guys came running over to take the Dodge Durango out of rotation on the offroad course. They had to remove the skid plate because it was getting scratched up on the course…LOL

The Cleveland Auto Show is open to the public February 24 - March 4 at the I-X Center.

Well, it seems that the jeep Jamborees, while well supported at the club level, have fallen victim to DC cost cutting measures in Canada.

Not sure if this is public knowledge yet, but I’m posting it up for folks.

Now, there used to be between 6 and 8 events across Canada in past years. They started in Nova Scotia in June and wound up, IIRC, in Alberta in the fall.

I’ve been to the events on the East coast as a participant, and for a couple of years, as a trail guide. They were always top-class events, even if each years saw obvious cut backs.

My first event had a trailer loaded with all kinds of Jeep branded gear sitting on site. I must have bought a couple hundred dollars worth of hoodies, caps, stickers, etc. That same year all participants got a great pewter key chain.

The following year, the gear trailer had disappeared, as had the pewter key chains. No biggie, the meals were still included, and as a trail guide, my costs were waived, so the value prop was so much better personally, that I cared little about missing a key chain.

The following couple of years were basically the same - the club worked it’s butt off to ensure a first class event, the fought with AVP (the company hired by DC to run the events) to get the cheque they’d been promised to cover the club’s end of things (building bridges, supporting the event, managing the advertising, etc.).

Now, when I say fought, what i really mean is when the call went in to request the cheque, it was never as simple as just getting the cheque - there was always the subtle back and forth of two parties trying to get the most for themselves.

trouble was, you’ve got a local club trying to get what it’s owed and what was agreed to, and a company trying to save some dollars for themselves. never pretty, but more a PITA than anything else, really.

So, that brings us to today.

Sadly, as often happens, AVP got the call from DC saying the budget was gone for 2007 events. very sad news, but take heart. AVP has been working their butts off to try to secure sponsorship for the 2008 season, so this could well be a temporary blip in things.

Also, on a local level, I know plans are being reviewed to determine if a local club, for example, could support an event of this size on it’s own. I thin they’ll be able to put on a comparable event AND charge less for it - remember, at a club level, we’re talking about non-profits running the event, not a company that needs to cover overhead and turn a profit on each event.

I suspect what we’re goign to see in Canada is a change to how the events are managed and run. I think the same players will be involved, but that at a local, club level, there will be more involvement. Most clubs have what it takes to organize the event, so I suspect we’ll see the Jamborees in Canada go this way in the future.

Ogden, UTAH — February 12, 2007 — The nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! recently launched its newest educational platform— a 20-foot trailer packed with informative materials, raffle prizes and knowledgeable staff.

The traveling education unit, called Tread Lightly! on the Road to Adventure, will be showing up at major motorized sporting events and trailheads throughout the year. Its goal is to attract and educate adults who drive motorized and mechanized vehicles in the outdoors including ATV riders, dirt bikers, four-wheel drive owners, snowmobilers, personal watercraft riders, sand duners and mountain bikers.

The unit was officially unveiled at the Off-Road Impact Trade Show in Las Vegas in January and at the Parker 425 off-road race in Arizona in February.

“This traveling education unit has an eye-catching design, plenty of giveaways, lots of educational materials and it’s all being pulled with a new HUMMER H2,” said Lori McCullough, Tread Lightly!’s executive director. “At a time when many off-road trails and areas are being threatened with closures, I think this stellar tool will help draw in the right crowds for some essential outdoor ethics education—a key element in keeping recreation areas open and healthy.”

On the Road to Adventure is made possible through special Partners in Education including API (American Petroleum Institute), HUMMER, Polaris Industries, Ramsey Winch, Cabela’s Inc., Advanstar Communications and the Bureau of Land Management.

Tread Lightly! will also be holding drawings for Ramsey Winches and Cabela’s product at several of its major stopping points.

More information, including upcoming tour stops, can be found at Tread Lightly!’s website www.treadlightly.org.

Jeep(R) Patriot Powertrain and Chassis Offer Best-in-class Off-road Capability, World-class Performance and Class-leading Fuel Economy

* Freedom Drive I 4×4 System Provides Confidence in All Weather Driving Conditions

* Freedom Drive II Off-road Package With CVT2L Delivers Best-in-class Off-road Capability

* Second-Generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) Gives Customers Improved Performance and Fuel Economy

* 2.4-Liter World Engine Achieves Class-Leading Fuel Efficiency of 30 Miles Per Gallon on the Highway

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ — The all-new 2007 Jeep(R) Patriot sets a new standard for off-road capability in the compact sport- utility (SUV) segment: a fun-to-drive vehicle that delivers best-in-class Jeep 4×4 capability and class-leading fuel efficiency. The Jeep Patriot, equipped with its standard 2.4-liter World Engine, achieves 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway — fuel-economy numbers not often found on an SUV.

“Jeep Patriot does for the compact SUV class what the brand icon Jeep Wrangler does for the extreme off-road SUV class — it provides the best off- road capability in its class,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President — Front- wheel-drive Product Team. “Patriot gives first-time Jeep buyers a fuel- efficient, fun-to-drive SUV with true off-road capability.”

WORLD-CLASS POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING

The 2007 Jeep Patriot’s powertrain delivers world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement. Patriot features a standard 2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine produces more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter ride than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Patriot’s price class. Performance objectives are targeted to match the best in the segment. The 2.4-liter engine provides 172 horsepower (128 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (222 N*m) of torque and delivers class-leading fuel-economy of 26 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder World Engine also is available on front-wheel-drive Jeep Patriot Sport models and achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Jeep Patriot features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle. Patriot also is the first Jeep vehicle to offer a CVT2 with integral low-ratio (CVT2L). The CVT2L’s effective first gear in low ratio is 19:1, which provides the torque necessary for crawling over moderate rocks and logs and other off- road events.

NEW TECHNOLOGY CREATES JEEP 4X4 CAPABILITY

An electronically controlled coupling (ECC), which is attached to the Patriot’s rear differential, is the heart of Jeep Patriot’s Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-road Package four-wheel-drive systems. Patriot’s ECC system is easier to calibrate, more flexible, more precise and lighter than viscous-coupling or gerotor systems.

The ECC transmits torque to the Patriot’s rear wheels through a two-stage clutch system. An electromagnet powered by current from the electronic control module operates a low-torque clutch. A cam-and-ball mechanism amplifies the force of the low-torque clutch, applying the main clutch that transmits torque to the rear wheels. The control module calculates vehicle speed, turning radius and wheel slip and transfers torque based on these conditions. The unit seamlessly interacts with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Brake Traction Control systems to ensure torque is transferred as needed, providing better handling and traction characteristics.

Unlike other on-demand four-wheel-drive systems that rely on pumps or viscous fluids to transfer torque, the Jeep Patriot’s four-wheel-drive system requires no front-to-rear slippage for activation. Patriot’s state-of-the-art electronic four-wheel-drive system anticipates the need for added traction and responds to wheel slippage by automatically transferring power to the rear wheels. The system contributes to Patriot’s excellent fuel economy by operating only when needed, minimizing power-robbing friction and inertia.

MOST CAPABLE VEHICLE IN ITS CLASS

Jeep Patriot is available in three drivetrain configurations: the standard front-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent ride and handling combined with best-in-class fuel efficiency, the Freedom Drive I 4×4 system and the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance for the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel- drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel- drive Lock mode to handle deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

To activate the Jeep Patriot’s Freedom Drive I Lock mode, the driver pulls up on the chrome T-handle. This lock mode ensures that the ECC sends the maximum amount of torque to the rear axle (up to 60 percent) for improved traction.

The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4×4, creating the most capable vehicle in the crowded compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off- road Package includes CVT2L, 17-inch all-terrain OWL tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster.

The Jeep Patriot’s Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is available on both Sport and Limited models. This all-new Jeep technology includes the CVT2L’s best-in-class 19:1 low ratio, which is ideal for crawling over obstacles. Off- road Brake Traction Control maintains forward movement during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction. Hill-descent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure without driver intervention, providing downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Brake lock differentials improve the Patriot’s mobility by applying brake force to the driven wheel that is spinning faster than the mate on the same axle. This provides an equal amount of torque for each wheel, thereby providing torque to the wheel with the most traction. This helps when crawling over obstacles, during heavy articulation activity, or when the driver encounters split-friction surfaces or off-road driving conditions.

Trail Rated Jeep Patriot models also include a heavy-duty cooling module, a full-size spare tire, skid plates (that protect critical components like the engine, transaxle or fuel tank during off-road driving), and tow hooks designed to get even the best off-roaders out of a tight spot. Standard three- mode ESP and off-road ABS also add to the Patriot’s inherent off-road capability.

Drivers can select four-wheel Lock mode on Jeep Patriots with the Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package by pulling up once on the T- shaped off-road handle in the center console. Once the off-road handle is pulled, an amber “off-road” message in the cluster lights up to confirm the system is on.

The Patriot responds rapidly to aggressive throttle input and delivers better traction performance for off-road maneuvers than in the normal mode. At speeds less than 10 mph, the maximum amount of torque is sent to the rear axle, which effectively locks the front and rear axles together at a 50/50 torque split for optimum traction performance. At speeds less than 25 mph, the calibration for the ECC is more aggressive. At speeds above 25 mph, the coupling delivers the same amount of torque to the rear axle as in the normal mode.

When in Off-road Mode with the 4WD Lock engaged and the shifter in the “L” or low ratio position, the following conditions are engaged automatically for optimal capability and performance on Jeep Patriot Trail Rated models equipped with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package:

* CVT2L provides an overall first gear ratio of 19:1 for crawling over
large obstacles until the vehicle approaches a speed of 10 mph or more,
when it ratios up to maintain speed

* Engine/throttle calibration is optimized for off-road driving

* Off-road ABS calibration is activated (as on non-Trail Rated vehicles)

* Traction Control reverts to brake lock differentials to help maintain
forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces
when one wheel loses traction

* Hill-descent Control, a first for Jeep, modulates the brake hydraulic
pressure without driver intervention to provide downhill assistance at a
safe and controlled rate of speed. This feature uses grade-sensing logic
to determine if the vehicle is descending a hill or traveling on level
ground

* A green icon showing a vehicle descending a hill appears in the cluster
when the Off-road Mode is activated and CVT2L is in Low or Reverse

ACHIEVING TRAIL RATED STATUS

Jeep Patriot Trail Rated models are designed and tested to perform in a variety of off-road conditions defined by five key consumer-oriented performance categories. These include traction, ground clearance, articulation, maneuverability and water fording, as well as measurements that demonstrate the engine and transmission continue to self-lubricate, while the vehicle is traveling up a side slope or on a fore/aft grade, for consistent performance and capability. The testing for these performance criteria is performed through a combination of physical testing and virtual modeling.

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits 1 inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance. Jeep Patriot features standard 16-inch styled steel wheels and all-season tires. Available 17-inch wheels and OWL tires contribute to the Trail Rated Patriot’s 9 inches of ground clearance, 29.6-degree approach angle, 34.2-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover angle. Trail Rated Jeep Patriot models also have additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. The Jeep Patriot’s body and chassis were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the enthusiast Jeep customer. The Trail Rated badge communicates to the customer that Jeep Patriot 4×4 with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package delivers authentic 4×4 capability.