DaimlerChrysler recently began production of three all-new 2007 crossover vehicles that feature advanced, fuel-efficient technologies: the Dodge Caliber 5-door hatchback, the Jeep Compass compact SUV and the Jeep Patriot SUV.

The vehicles feature GEMA World Engines, which use dual variable-valve timing to increase fuel economy by 5% over other I-4 engines. The Caliber comes standard with a CVT transmission that increases fuel economy by 6 to 8% over conventional four-speed automatics. The Compass and Patriot come standard with a five-speed transmission, and have a CVT option. The vehicles also incorporate weight reductions and other design improvements that help them achieve a total of up to 20% fuel-economy improvement over competitors in the segment.

The vehicles are built by UAW 1268 at the Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois beginning in March 2006. DaimlerChrysler recently invested $419 million in the plant to renovate it for the new vehicles. Total production at the plant is expected to be near 400,000 vehicles per year. DaimlerChrysler added 1,900 UAW jobs at the plant to support the new production.

Learn more about the Dodge Caliber
Learn more about the Jeep Compass
Learn more about the Jeep Patriot

Back to Advanced Technology page