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Jeep sets all-time sales record in 2012

Last year was good to Jeep. Chrysler has announced its trail-rated brand set an all-time global sales record in 2012 by moving 701,626 units. That number easily surpasses the previous record set in 1999 when Jeep sold 675,494 models. All told, the brand saw a 19-percent sales increase worldwide over 2011, and much of that swell can be traced directly to the Wrangler. While the Grand Cherokee led Jeep sales, the Wrangler posted record numbers both globally and within the US, moving 194,142 and 141,669 units in each market, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Compass beat its previous global sales record with 103,321 units rolling off of dealer lots. In the US, Jeep sold 62,010 Patriot units, breaking that model's previous record as well. Jeep's impressive performance in 2012 marks the second year in a row the brand has seen double-digit percentage sales increases. Check out the full press release below.

Some Jeep Cherokees and Chrysler 200s to get standard stop-start in 2015

Automakers the world over are striving to find ways to make their models more efficient, and Chrysler has a solution for some versions of the 2015 Chrysler 200 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee (2014 model shown). The Tigershark 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the 200 and the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 in the Cherokee are getting a slight boost later this year thanks to the addition of Chrysler's Engine Stop-Start system as standard equipment. The company predicts modest gains - a three-percent improvement in fuel economy and a three percent reduction in CO2 emissions with the new tech compared to without it. While it's not much, those who sit in traffic a lot may see a difference.
Chrysler's stop/start system uses a high-speed starter motor to restart the vehicle in a claimed a third of a second. It works by detecting when the vehicle comes to a stop and turning off the engine. A more powerful battery maintains all of the model's accessories while it sits. When the driver lets off the brake, the car starts up again to drive away. There is even a button in the cabin to turn the ESS off, if desired.
The Jeep will be the first to receive ESS in the third quarter of this year to coincide with the start of production of the 2015 model-year version. The 200 will follow in the fourth quarter as a rolling change in production.

Jeep teases its Easter Safari Wrangler concepts

Every year ahead of the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Jeep shows off some wild concepts based on Jeep products. They usually don't make it to production, but they do get the fans very, very excited. If you'll remember last year, the company showed off a Hellcat-powered Wrangler concept called the Trailcat and some retro-inspired pickups, like a neo-Forward Control and one resembling the classic military Kaiser M715. This year, we're getting a sneak preview of two of the concepts Jeep will be showing off. Details are sketchy and the images aren't very revealing, but such is the way of teasers. Let's start with the Switchback, which appears to be a Wrangler Unlimited that features metal doors with large cutaways in them. They look like a cross between factory metal half-doors and the tubular trail doors that are a popular aftermarket add-on. It also appears to feature a bumper-mounted winch and a special top with a roof basket. The second concept is the Quicksand, which appears to be a two-door Wrangler with cut-down fenders, a roll cage, and no B-pillar aft of the door. Could it be a dune buggy of sorts, a Jeep analogue to the Baja Bugs or Meyers Manxs so popular in the 1960s and 1970s? It's hard to tell, but all will be revealed soon. Related Video: