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Auburn Hills, Mich. , Dec 22, 2010 - Five Chrysler Group LLC vehicles- the new Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Chrysler 200, Jeep® Grand Cherokee and Jeep Patriot have been named Top Safety Picks for 2011 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS annually recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover and rear crashes based on good rating in a series of tests conducted by the Institute.

To be considered, vehicles must have available electronic stability control systems that may significantly reduce crash risks. All five Chrysler Group LLC vehicles feature electronic stability control as standard equipment for 2011.

New to the list of top safety picks by the IIHS are the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 200. In selecting the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the IIHS noted the addition of torso airbags to bolster side crash protection to the vehicle's already comprehensive list of safety features.

Also new to the list of Top Safety Picks is the Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 is the automaker's newest addition to the mid-size sedan segment and new to the line-up for 2011.

Both Dodge Avenger and Journey return to the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks for the third straight year. The Jeep Patriot was named a Top Safety Pick for the second straight year.

"With the addition of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 200, Chrysler Group has five Top Safety Picks in the 2011 model year. This recognition by the IIHS underscores our commitment to safety across all vehicle segments," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President  Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "As we continue with our product transformation, we'll continue to engineer safety leadership and more capabilities into all our vehicles."

The five Chrysler Group selections employ a two-fold approach to safety, including active safety items such as electronic stability systems and anti-lock brakes, as well as passive safety features, such as head restraints for front seat occupants and supplemental side-curtain or side-seat airbags.

The 2011 Chrysler Group vehicles named as Top Safety Picks by IIHS are either all-new or have received significant changes for the 2011 model year.




Durango is good sign for Dodge's future

With a revised look and feel, the handsome 2011 Dodge Durango could be a sign of good things to come from Dodge, Fortune Magazine wrote.
Despite its three-row size, the reviewers at Automedia.com found it surprisingly quick, quiet, comfortable and almost sport-sedan fun. The Durango?s structure and suspension enhancements provide an excellent balance of on-road handling and ride comfort, the story said.

One of the key elements in this successful update is the new Durango's style, The Car Guide said. From the front, the vehicle shows real attitude and the high beltline, reduced windows and inclined rear hatch are reminiscent of the Dodge Magnum and offer a modern and dynamic appearance.
Dodge Durango appeals to customers who need the versatility of a crossover and the capability of an SUV, but want the refinement and characteristics of a premium performance vehicle, said Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles, according to Automedia.com.

Motor Trend noted the interior has been redesigned with higher-quality materials and that the result is impressive, with comfortable seats, good visibility, improved ergonomics, and a vastly improved Garmin based navigation system.

Durango, Grand Cherokee named finalists

The all-new Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee stood out as two of the top three most outstanding trucks in the North Ameri-can Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) voting, The Detroit Free Press reported.

The Dodge and Jeep SUVs are competing against the Ford Ex-plorer. The winner will be announced Jan. 10 at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

New direction for 2011 Jeep® Compass

If you thought Chrysler Group was done unveiling its 2011 lineup, the automaker still has a few surprises left, including the 2011 Jeep® Compass, which looks more rugged and upscale, according to Cars.com's KickingTires blog.

The Compass, which was originally marketed as the street-friendly variant of the Jeep Patriot, upgrades its off-road credentials throughout, KickingTires noted. Jeep's Freedom Drive II full-time active four-wheel-drive system allows the Compass to be Trail Rated, which means the crossover is capable enough in moderate off-road situations, including rock or log climbing, Kicking-Tires added.

USA Today reported that the new Compass offers interior upgrades, improved ride and handling, more off-road capability, and front and rear styling that is richer looking.

Edmunds Inside Line said that the 2011 Jeep Compass was released sporting grand styling from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, unsurpassed com-pact SUV 4x4 fuel economy (28 mpg), and upgraded interior and exterior.