JEDDAH, 3 May 2006 — A jeep that commands a ‘unique’ blend of capacity and distinctive design was launched at a spectacular ceremony at the Jeddah Hilton on Monday night.
A large turnout of citizens, businessmen and off-road car buffs was present at the event organized by United Motors Company (UMC), the sole distributor of Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles in Saudi Arabia.
Publicity hype was built up on the eve of the launch urging car lovers to come and discover how to share the adventure of the Jeep Commander. “Jeep Commander: It’s your world, take command,” said a company handout.
“I’m delighted to launch the first ever seven seat Jeep Commander,” Mark Frank Jenkins, national sales and marketing manager at UMC, said. “This is another exciting addition to the expanding Jeep line-up in the Middle East, and part of our ongoing brand offensive,” said Jenkins who was accompanied by Trent Barcroft, vice president and director sales and marketing, and Craig Hardie, marketing manager, both at Dubai-based Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge DaimlerChrysler.
“The Jeep Commander is robust, tough and luxurious - the ultimate expression of the Jeep heritage,” Jenkins said, adding that the rugged first-ever three-row Jeep accommodates up to seven passengers in theater-style seating and features a unique panoramic ‘Command-View’ sunroof. It offers best-in class off-road capabilities with precise and responsive on-road dynamics.
“Jeep Commander is also the only SUV in its class to offer a choice of two V8 petrol engines. In addition, Commander expands and strengthen what’s already an excellent lineup, consisting of Wrangle, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle lineup that will take place during the second half of this decade,” Jenkins said.
“This nimble, rugged 4x4 is engineered to perform as only Jeep vehicles can, offering more capability and more flexibility plus advanced safety and security technologies that are sure to appeal to our customers across the Middle East,” Barcroft said.
The Jeep Commander is available with a choice of two powerful V8 petrol power trains - 4.7-liter V8 and the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI engine, the spokesman for UMC said.
Its upright windscreen, backlight and rear end, as well as its more vertical body sides and side glass, embody the vehicle’s classic Jeep styling, he said, adding that this vehicle boasts exclusive features that will make its presence strong across the Kingdom and elsewhere in the region.
Like all Chrysler Group vehicles, the Jeep Commander is designed to improve not only handling and accident avoidance, but also to provide excellent crash protection. “Crash protection features available on the Commander include advanced multi-stage front air bags, extended up-time supplemental side-curtain air bags for all three rows, seat belts equipped with pretensioners and digressive load limiting retractors, and BeltAlert, a buckle-up reminder system for the driver. These are in addition to its active safety features.
