AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler Group will announce 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 @ 1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers towing capacity of 7,400 lbs. and 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. Chrysler Group’s mid-size, diesel-powered SUV, the 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8L CRD engine, has sold more than 11,000 units since production began. 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, giving drivers the ability to use a fuel with an 85-percent concentration of ethanol (E-85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. 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.