Jeep Brand Start/Stop Fuel Efficiency Technology

Jeep Wrangler Sport BUX International, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Opt for the uber-cool Turbo Diesel on the Jeep Wrangler and you get some cutting-edge technology for 2012. The new CRD engine comes equipped with Start/Stop technology - the first application of this technology on a Jeep vehicle.

With Stop/Start, the diesel engine is shut off when the vehicle is stopped, the shift gear is in Neutral, and the clutch is released. The engine then restarts automatically when the clutch pedal is depressed. Drivers can deactivate the technology via a button on the dashboard, and an icon displays in the instrument panel to indicate the Stop/Start status.

An upgraded starter and alternator improve durability, and a DC/DC power converter maintains electronic feature functionality while the vehicle is stopped.

Stop/Start technology improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions by managing the amount of time the engine runs.

Fuel economy is improved by up to 13-percent, and CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 14-percent.

Love to see this technology come to the states.

Photo courtesy of Autoviva.

Brand Loyalty in Auto Sales

This ad really hits the mark. Don't all kids want to be just like their dads? Chevy wants to tap into this strong generational pull with the latest Silverado HD commercial. Like the two taglines as well: "From fathers to sons - Chevy runs deep" and "For those who live life for a living, the 2012 Silverado."

This plays into a similar generational theme at the Jeep brand. From kids with their LEGO Jeep vehicles, Tonka trucks, Matchbox cars and Jeep Wrangler Power Wheels you hear a similar catch phrase: "I've always wanted one." A lot of the kids that were playing in the Jeep Wrangler Power Wheels for the past twenty years are finally growing up. The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, with its powerful 285 horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine are attracting buyers in droves.

Wrangler is a true American icon that delivers on and off-road capability, and for 2012, with the power and fuel efficiency that make it more than acceptable for everyday driving.

According to WTOL, the Toledo North assembly plant is pumping out about 38 vehicles per hour. September sales were the best in Wrangler's history, with 11,388 units sold. For comparison, the Willys MB of World War II was produced at a rate of one every two minutes - that's 30 units per hour. Pretty amazing team in Toledo - they're on track to sell about 125K for the year! Combine that with the push by Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne to promote the Jeep brand in foreign markets and you have a true global sales winner.

What is an Ad Impression?

What is an Ad Impression?, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

An ad impression is a measure of the number of times an ad is seen by a user. It is also known as an "ad view."

Social media plays a role in ad impressions, and can reap big benefits at little upfront cost. Consider how the Jeep brand reaped hundreds of thousands of impressions when Evan van der Spuy, a mountain biker on team Jeep South Africa who was hit by an antelope (red hartebeest) was interviewed by numerous networks post t-bone.

The crazy footage was launched on YouTube and was an instant hit. This kind of event is rare - it's kind of like winning the lottery.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxFIX0oPTso

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxFIX0oPTso&list=PL42A30968D1...

Nice article on Hemmings blog about the Jeep Wide-Trac concept vehicle of the 1960's. Still has the slotted grille - but tilted down at a severe angle. Nice bit of sleuthing with the help of Jeff Lakaszcyck as well. This unique cab-forward prototype was built by Crown for the International Vehicle Investigation program.

1945 CJ-2A vs. 2012 Jeep Wrangler JK

Motor Trend produced a nice side-by-side comparison of a 1945 CJ-2A and 2012 JK. Kudos to the Jeep brand brand for staying true to the design heritage over the years. A true American icon.