AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler Group has revealed plans to produce the first diesel-powered, full-size SUV to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a 3.0L common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine, will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2007. The new 3.0L CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N•m) @ 1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 lbs.), and class-leading driving range of approximately 425 miles. And, clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The 3.0L CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited, and Overland models. The Jeep brand also announced earlier in the year that the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7L SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E-85) in their vehicles. More than 60 percent of Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel-powered. Between 2003 and 2007, Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North America. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, 12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in 2003). The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The 3.0L CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany. Pricing will be announced closer to availability. Overall sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest total since 2000 — 476,532 units compared with 2004 sales of 427,329 units. Outside North America, Jeep brand sales grew 15 percent to 84,019 units in 2005. The positive momentum for the Jeep brand has continued during the 2006 calendar year.