While other businesses slow down in productivity this July due to the usual summer lull, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit will be churning out new models at full throttle. With sales of the SUV up 37 percent year-over-year at Jeep dealerships through April, Chrysler recently announced that it will forgo the usual two-week shutdown of the factory in early July in order to meet growing demand.

The Big Three automakers typically use a two-week period starting around July 4 to stop or slow production, take stock of their inventories and install new manufacturing equipment for the next model year. Chrysler’s decision to instead increase production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is welcome news for both current and future Jefferson North employees, and the automaker also announced that it will move up its plans to add a third shift of workers to the plant to this November instead of next year.

“The Grand Cherokee is one of the few vehicles that can do anything you ask of it, which is good news for both buyers and the workers that rely on its demand,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “Unlike most SUVs, you get a comfortable, car-like ride, but you can also get a full range of capability, with available four-wheel drive and a large towing capacity for transporting those big weekend toys.”

Currently, the Jefferson North assembly plant employs roughly 2,900 workers to manufacture the Grand Cherokee during two shifts, and is running overtime on two out of every three Saturdays to keep up with demand. Chrysler will be hiring about 1,100 more employees to make up the upcoming third shift.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee sold 2,032 more units last month than it did in April 2011, a 21-percent increase and the vehicle’s best April sales in seven years. The SUV helped the Jeep brand post a 19-percent April sales increase year-over-year, resulting in its highest April sales in five years. Last month was the 24th month in a row that Jeep saw a year-over-year sales increase.

Equipped with its standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque while still returning 23 mpg on the highway. For drivers who need increased capability, a 5.7-liter V8 option offers 360 horsepower and a 7,400-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. Choosing the range-topping 6.4-liter HEMI V8 will give buyers 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is completely customizable to suit your lifestyle,” added Gill. “If you’re someone who travels with a trailer every weekend, one of the V8 options might be for you. If your idea of adventure is getting to the middle school pick-up line no matter the weather, the Grand Cherokee’s V6 will get you there on less gas.”

Rising fuel costs have truck owners feeling the pinch, and Chrysler is making moves to alleviate some of the pressure with the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Expected to reach Ram dealerships later this year, the new Ram pickup will feature a myriad of innovative features designed to improve fuel efficiency while still boosting power.

What started as a mild mid-cycle refresh for the 2013 Ram 1500 has turned into an all-out redesign, with everything from the chassis to the interior receiving heavy revisions. The most significant changes, however, are the introductions of Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 engine and the TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic transmission to the lineup. Ram engineers expect that drivetrain combo to help boost fuel economy by roughly 20 percent compared to the outgoing V6. That would translate to about 24 mpg on the highway, a new high-water mark for full-size trucks.

“Ram lived up to its name and addressed the issue of fuel efficiency head on, but it did so without neglecting the features that truck owners have always wanted,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Ram dealer. “The result is a Ram 1500 that is not only better on gas, but more powerful, more refined and more capable than the competition.”

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in the 2013 Ram 1500 is notably more powerful than the current 3.7-liter V6, producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, increases of 42 percent and 13 percent, respectively. New 2013 Ram 1500 trucks with the HEMI V8 will deliver 395 horsepower, a five-horsepower boost, but perhaps more impressive is that they will also feature at least a 10-percent improvement in fuel economy. The V8 models will be available with the TorqueFlite 8 transmission later in the 2013 model year.

While its drivetrains will be doing the heavy lifting, the 2013 Ram 1500’s suspension also received some attention. A class-exclusive air suspension improves fuel economy, handling and off-road capability while also auto-leveling the truck when it is loaded with cargo or towing a trailer. Based on the driver’s needs and conditions, the suspension can either adjust automatically or be controlled manually to raise or lower the truck. Drivers can also increase ride height by up to two inches for off-roading, creating a best-in-class 10.7 inches of ground clearance.

Inside, Ram 1500 trucks equipped with the TorqueFlite 8 transmission will shift using a rotary knob rather than a lever, enabling blind shifts from reverse to drive, a useful feature when backing a trailer into a space. Another interior option is Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system, which uses an 8.4-inch touchscreen to control audio settings, climate control and navigation. The system can also perform hands-free phone calls and texting when connected to a smartphone. Unlike offerings from other automakers, the software can be updated from the touchscreen instead of requiring a USB drive or a visit to the dealership.

“Trucks have to be more than a large piece of work equipment these days, and Ram has found the right mix of rugged capability and daily usability with the 2013 Ram 1500,” Gill noted. “Massachusetts truck drivers want a ride that can do it all, and Ram is the only brand that is delivering the goods across the board.”

Chrysler is quick to point out the style and power of its large luxury flagship, the 300, but Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recently saw a softer side of the bad-boy sedan. The automotive-information group recently featured the 2012 Chrysler 300 available at Chrysler dealerships on its 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list, proving that the Town & Country minivan isn’t the brand’s lone family-friendly product.

Kbb.com based its 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list on a range of factors, including safety, comfort, child-friendliness, strong consumer ratings and low cost of ownership. The 2012 Chrysler 300 was the only full-size sedan on the list, earning praise for its distinctive styling, premium standard features and outstanding comfort. Kbb.com editors also noted the 300’s fuel-efficient yet powerful V6 powertrain and class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission.

“Chrysler’s 300 is a great vehicle for families that refuse to give up style and driving enjoyment just because they have one or two little ones onboard,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Chrysler dealer. “Some family vehicles are just glorified boxes on wheels, but Chrysler has proven that kid friendly doesn’t have to mean bland and boring.”

It was the Chrysler 300’s stylish appeal that came into play in its victory over the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan in Autoblog’s recent luxury-sedan comparison test. The online automotive publication chose to compare the 300 and Genesis because they are the only full-size, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedans available with base prices at less than $35,000, providing premium features without a premium price.

Powered by Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 engine, the Chrysler 300 has 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque on tap, offering ample acceleration while returning 31 mpg on the highway, two more than the Genesis sedan. The Chrysler also sports more trunk space, 16.3 cubic-feet compared to 15.9 cubic-feet for the Hyundai, which means there is plenty of room for groceries, golf clubs or luggage for a family of four.

Autoblog editors praised the Chrysler 300 for its style both inside and out, while criticizing the Hyundai’s interior for being “bland.” Chrysler designers focused on soft-touch materials throughout the 300’s cabin, including optional soft-leather upholstery that is available in classic Black or a vibrant Radar Red for those looking to spice things up. Glossy piano-black trim pieces on the doors and dash add to the sense of sophistication, while the acoustic windshield, wheel liners and underbody closeouts ensure a quiet driving environment.

“Thanks to the Chrysler 300, you don’t have to spend $70,000 to get a complete full-size luxury sedan,” Gill noted. “The Chrysler 300 is the democratization of luxury: You can get the silent ride, the soft-leather upholstery and the innovative technology without having to be a millionaire.”

The premium-trim Ram Laramie Longhorn pickup truck has proven popular since its debut last year, but its strong Western theme is not for everyone. Enter the new top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited, which will look more at home on city construction sites or by motorsport courses after it arrives at Ram dealerships in the second quarter of 2012.

Scheduled to debut this week at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the Ram Laramie Limited is aimed at drivers that need towing capacity for equipment like snowmobiles or motorcycles yet want a higher level of comfort and refinement. Luxury touches in the Laramie Limited will include full Natura Plus leather seating, piano-black trim and understated exterior badging to exude what Ram calls a “street truck” look.

“The Laramie Limited has all of the power and hauling capacity of other full-size pickup trucks, but it’s smoother around the edges and has more confident styling,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Ram dealer. “While you’ll be able to haul and tow with the best of them in the Limited, you’ll also be able to do it while sitting in the lap of luxury. For a pickup truck, that’s rare.”

Available in Ram 1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD configurations, the Laramie Limited will come equipped with a standard navigational radio, back-up camera and leather-wrapped shifter. Also standard are a remote start system, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front and rear seats, which all make the Laramie Limited an ideal pickup for weekend snowmobiling trips in the winter.

While the Laramie Limited will not go on sale until this spring, Ram has already seen rising sales of its other models in 2012. Last month, the brand earned its best January sales since 2008, up 42 percent compared to January 2011. Ram pickup truck sales alone saw an increase of 47 percent, achieving their 21^st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

In addition to its strong sales, the Ram 1500 was declared a 2012 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy in the Large Pickup segment last month. Following a road test, editors at the auto-review publication were particularly fond of the truck’s passenger and cargo room, as well as the acceleration of V8 models. The Ram 1500 was also recently named U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money.

“Ram spends all of its energy and resources building trucks, and that dedication shows when the end result is a pickup like the Ram 1500,” added Gill. “When you add in trims like the Laramie Limited, customers get a variety of options to suit their tastes. Regardless, they know from the start that any of the configurations will deliver when it comes to performance.”

Chrysler is going further upscale with its new 300 Luxury Series, which the automaker says will be the most luxurious, fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship ever. Due to reach Chrysler dealers in the first quarter of 2012, the leather-clad sedan will return up to 31 mpg on the highway, giving luxury lovers a guilt-free way to get around.

Featuring top-grade Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather normally found in Maseratis, the Luxury Series 300 and 300C sedans punch well above their price tags when it comes to luxury. The interior also features hand-sanded wood trim accents, 12-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, Berber floor mats and a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel tailored toward Snow Belt natives.

“The 300 Luxury Series steps away from the more-common Corinthian leather and provides a truly upscale cabin experience with the highest quality leathers,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Chrysler dealer. “Chrysler has combined the luxurious interior of an exotic Italian car with the muscle of an all-American sedan imported from Detroit. It’s the best of both worlds at a price that undercuts the competition by thousands of dollars.”

Power and fuel efficiency in the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series come from the standard 292-horsepower Pentastar V6, which is paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 300 Luxury Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but an available all-wheel-drive system will likely be a popular choice with Bay State drivers who have to deal with dangerous winter driving. Those looking for more power can opt for the V8-toting 300C Luxury Series, which pumps out 363 horsepower and still returns 25 mpg on the highway. The V8 is also available with Chrysler’s all-wheel-drive setup.

Chrysler’s efforts to innovate didn’t stop in the 300’s engine bay, as the automaker has also gone to great lengths to provide cutting-edge in-car connectivity with the latest infotainment hardware. Luxury Series cars will come with Chrysler’s Uconnect Touch system, which combines the power of a Garmin navigation unit, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link with an 8.4-inch touch screen, the largest screen in the segment. The system can also work with Bluetooth-connected smartphones to provide hands-free calling and even stream music without having to plug in.

Outside, the Chrysler 300 Luxury Series differentiates itself from other models with 20-inch polished rims on rear-wheel-drive models and 19-inch rollers on all-wheel-drive-equipped 300s. Platinum chrome adorns the exterior mirrors, door handles and fascia accents, creating an upscale look that is topped off by the large chromed grille.

“The 300 Luxury Series has an air of what I’d describe as sophisticated aggression,” Gill noted. “It’s very upscale looking, but the low stance and creased sides look like they belong in an action movie. It’s a really distinctive car.”

Though most Jeep fans will buy a Wrangler for its off-road abilities and rugged styling, it is the SUV’s lasting value that may serve them best when the time comes to trade it in. Currently available at Jeep dealerships, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler has earned the number one spot on the Top Ten Models list in the Kelley Blue Book 2012 Best Resale Value Awards.

 Kelley Blue Book chose its 2012 Best Resale Value Award winners based on a number of criteria, including vehicle and sales data, market conditions, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of its staff. The Jeep Wrangler bested all vehicles on the market with a predicted retained value of 68 percent after three years and 55 percent after five years. With a first-place finish overall, it is no wonder the Wrangler also emerged as Best Compact SUV in the awards.

 “All you have to do is look around and you’ll see Wranglers everywhere, and they’re not only the new ones,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “The Wrangler is built to last, has a huge following of loyal fans and features enduring looks that never get old. That’s a great recipe for maintaining high resale value.”

 Kelley Blue Book isn’t the only automotive research group that has recently recognized the lasting value of the Wrangler. ALG also chose the Jeep model in its 2012 Residual Value Awards, naming the Wrangler Best Compact Utility Vehicle. Out of the 19 vehicle categories, the Wrangler was one of only two American vehicles to be named a winner by ALG.

 Part of the Wrangler’s lasting appeal is its iconic styling, which Jeep has been careful to preserve throughout each generation of the vehicle. Large round headlamps and a seven-bar grille are Wrangler staples, as are the removable top and doors and forward-folding windshield, which creates a true open-air atmosphere. While style makes the Jeep stand out in a crowd, it is the Wrangler’s usability that keeps buyers coming back.

 The 2012 Wrangler features a wash-out interior, which means a day on the muddy trails can end by hosing down both the exterior and the interior. With removable plugs, the interior can drain out, making for a useful feature while fording a stream or river. And while rugged may be the norm for the Wrangler, that doesn’t mean it is bare bones when it comes to technology. Inside, there is an available Uconnect System, which includes navigation, satellite radio, hands-free calling through a Bluetooth-connected smartphone and even wireless internet access from Mopar.

 “The current Wrangler is a perfect mix of classic and new features that is hard to resist,” Gill noted. “There’s nothing else on the market that checks all the boxes like the Wrangler, whether you’re talking about capability today or the cash you’ll get back down the road.”

When it comes to shifting a driving adventure from the pavement to the dirt, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon does it best, according to editors at Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine. After putting the utility vehicle through a series of performance tests, the off-roading enthusiast magazine named the new Wrangler Rubicon its 4x4 of the Year, declaring it “the most competent 4x4 ever produced.”

 Petersen’s set up a final face-off between the Wrangler and the Ram Power Wagon across a thousand plus miles of trails to evaluate their performance on various terrain types ranging from rocky inclines to flatlands. Both vehicles were tested on sand, mud, dirt and rock, challenging their suspensions, drivetrains and transfer cases. Judges also considered the utility vehicles’ styling and value before declaring the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon the 4x4 of the Year.

 “The Wrangler has long been the go-to off-roading vehicle for Jeep fans,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “Each feature, from the drivetrain to the body styling to the unique tire tread, is designed to help drivers tackle the elements, and Jeep has only improved upon that formula with the latest model.”

 The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features a five-speed automatic transmission and 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, both new for the 2012 model year. Delivering 40 percent more horsepower and better fuel economy than its predecessor, the Pentastar V6 allows Rubicon owners to maximize their weekend fun while cutting down on weekday commuting costs. Meanwhile, the Jeep’s standard 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires with custom tread help Massachusetts Jeep drivers tackle snowy trails or ice storms on the Mass Pike.

 In addition to the nod from Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road, the Jeep Wrangler recently received two other awards. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was voted Best Off-Road Value by a panel of automotive journalists and athletes in the 2012 Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year competition, while the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named it the Mid-Size SUV of Texas.

 Soon after the production Wrangler was praised with a trio of accolades, a Wrangler-based pickup made noise at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that took place November 1 - 4 in Las Vegas. Designed by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the Brute Double Cab featured extra doors and a nearly square truck bed, helping the Wrangler combine its off-roading capability with plenty of additional cargo space. Massachusetts Jeep fans will be able to reach even the most remote locations with their camping equipment in tow when AEV starts production of the Brute Double Cab for the general public in mid-2012.

 “We encourage our customers to get creative with their vehicles, especially if it’s a Wrangler, and Jeep fans probably got a bunch of new aftermarket ideas from the SEMA Show,” added Gill. “The Brute Double Cab won’t be a large-scale replacement for pickups, but it’s guaranteed to be a lot more fun to drive than traditional trucks.”

Chrysler has joined with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the U.S. Department of Energy to put electrified trucks alongside the MBTA’s electric subway trains. As part of a three-year, nationwide research project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the MBTA was recently delivered a test fleet of 10 Ram 1500 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

 Chrysler will use data from the test to see how the gas-electric pickups fare in Boston’s variable climate, which ranges from sub-freezing winters to summers in the upper 90s, temperatures that can impact the performance of hybrid batteries. The study will track driver usage, drive cycles, thermal management, fuel economy and emissions to see how they vary throughout the seasons. With a heavy MBTA workload, the PHEV Rams will need to be charged regularly, which will deliver data on the trucks’ battery lives and their impact on the local electric grid.

 “New England provides one of the toughest environments for hybrid technology,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Ram dealer. “In cold weather, batteries produce less of a charge, and in high heat they can drain quickly. Toss in some traffic and snow, and Boston will provide the ultimate real-world torture test for these trucks.”

 There is no current plan to mass produce the Ram 1500 PHEV for delivery to Ram dealerships, but the technology may find its way into future models. The Ram 1500 PHEV gains fuel efficiency in stop-and go city driving by storing power for its electric motor in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a 6.6-killowatt on-board charger. The vehicle uses a variety of energy-capturing technologies, including directional charging, reverse power flow and full regenerative braking.

 The Ram 1500 PHEV shares the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine found in the production 2012 Ram 1500 Express, which is capable of 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque. MBTA workers will be able to tap features found in production models of the Ram 1500, including a towing capacity or up to 10,150 pounds, standard trailer sway control, electronic stability control and hill start assist to make coping with slick roads and potholes easier.

 “When you see the Ram 1500’s capabilities, it’s clear why this pickup was selected by the Department of Energy for these tests,” added Gill. “The goal for Ram is to give truck buyers the power that they need and the better fuel economy that they deserve. This project is a major step toward that goal, and in a few years we may see some hybrids that can outperform gas and diesel trucks in gas mileage and performance.”

 In addition to its contribution to the MBTA, Chrysler will donate four plug-in hybrid Ram 1500s to National Grid for additional testing. Chrysler is also working on plug-in hybrid technology for a fleet of 25 Town & Country minivans that will be tested in select cities next year.

New England football fans love tailgating almost as much as they love the Patriots, and according to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com that means they’ll be loving the 2011 Ram 1500 pickup truck as well. The editors at kbb.com honored the Ram 1500 as the number one selection in their Top 10 Tailgating Cars for 2011 list, noting innovative tailgate-friendly features that are absent from the competition.

 It takes a proper tailgating vehicle to throw a party before the big game, and kbb.com found that the Ram 1500 had what it takes to ensure a good time, including extensive storage space and a large cargo bed. The Ram 1500’s ability to work as hard as it plays has made it a favorite at Ram dealerships, where the truck has become a sales leader. Ram pickups had the sixth-best sales of all vehicles in the United States in August.

 “The Ram 1500 is like a lot of Massachusetts residents,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Ram dealer. “It works hard all week long and on the weekends it likes to kick back, relax and watch the Patriots mow down the opposition.”

 When it comes to keeping beverages cold, the Ram has a trick play in the RamBox Cargo Management System. The lockable bins in the side of the cargo bed are capable of holding 240 12-ounce cans of whatever pleases the fans most, and available bins that fit in the floor of the cabin can hold even more. Rear under-seat compartments can also serve as a place to stash grilling gear or a big foam hand.

 A tailgate party wouldn’t be complete without a grill, and the 76.3-inch-long cargo bed of the Ram 1500 can haul enough charcoal and brats to feed an army of hungry Pats fans while still having room to spare for an easy-up canopy on those wintry days that separate the fans from the fakes.

 Hauling all that gear takes power, and the Ram 1500 has no shortage with its available 5.7-liter HEMI V8. With 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque, the HEMI-powered Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,450 pounds, which is good enough to help build a stadium, let alone watch a game at one. Plus, the full-size truck is still capable of returning 20 mpg on the highway, which means more money for game day festivities.

 “We’ve always known the Ram 1500 was a hard worker, but with football season starting up, we’re seeing the lighter side of the truck,” Gill added. “The keys to a great tailgate party lie in the details, and that’s where the Ram 1500 excels, providing features the competition doesn’t offer along with legendary HEMI power.”

Jeep is seeing remarkable sales increases for its redesigned Compass small utility vehicle, as fuel prices force consumers to look for more economic means of getting their off-road kicks. July sales of the 2011 Jeep Compass were up 240 percent compared with July 2010 and year-to-date sales rose 123 percent over the same period last year.

 The success of the Compass has Jeep looking to add an even smaller vehicle to its arsenal of off-roaders. According to Car and Driver, Chrysler engineers are designing a vehicle similar to the MINI Countryman, only with more trail-ready technology. Referred to internally at Chrysler as the SS, meaning “super small” or “super sport,” the mini utility is predicted to take on a compact platform from Fiat, feature higher ground clearance than the Countryman’s 5.9 inches, and arrive at U.S. Jeep dealerships around the second half of 2013. 

 “Not everybody needs a Wrangler or a Grand Cherokee,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “For those looking for Jeep capability in a smaller form, we have the Compass, the Patriot, and soon an even smaller SUV that can provide the ultimate mix of fuel economy and all-terrain capability.”

 With its powerplant technology expected to come from Fiat as well, the SS could feature a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing anywhere between 130 and 170 horsepower. It could also share the new nine-speed automatic gearbox destined for Chrysler’s next-generation compact cars. Like the Compass, Jeep’s new compact SUV will be available with either front- or all-wheel drive, which would make it a useful winter ride for Massachusetts drivers.

 As for Jeeps that are currently on the road, rising fuel prices have helped nudge consumers toward the smaller 29-mpg-highway Jeep Compass and equally fuel-efficient Jeep Patriot, which has enjoyed a rise of 63 percent in sales year-over-year through July. Meanwhile, a redesign for the 2011 Compass gave the small SUV the chiseled looks of the larger Grand Cherokee, resulting in sales through the first seven months of 2011 that have easily surpassed sales from all of 2010 and have nearly matched the last two years combined.

 Under its sculpted hood, the Jeep Compass features either a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit producing 172 horsepower. There are three transmission choices, ranging from a five-speed manual to the option of two continuously variable units, one featuring an off-road-capable gearing. A ground clearance of 8.4 inches, along with available drive technology like hill descent control and hill start assist, add to the off-road resume of the Compass.

 “Greater Boston Jeep drivers already love the Compass for its versatility and easy-to-live-with dimensions,” Gill noted. “A new, even more fuel- efficient Jeep would fit the bill for our customers who want an affordable, rugged vehicle that is equally at home on the highway and the wooded trail.”

U.S. sales of Jeep’s iconic Wrangler surpassed the Ford Explorer in June and interest is on the increase worldwide, meaning Jeep may soon have to worry about demand outpacing supply, according to a report by the Toledo Blade. Luckily for Massachusetts Jeep fans, local Jeep dealers like Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge still have a ready supply of Jeep Wranglers on hand.

 U.S. sales of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler are up 15 percent year-to-date compared with the same period in 2010, which includes a 27-percent increase in June sales. Those impressive numbers will likely soon be complimented internationally as the Wrangler benefits from the recent refranchising of Jeep dealers in Europe, the land that helped make the name Jeep synonymous with rugged dependability during World War II.

 “Massachusetts drivers have loved the Jeep Wrangler for a long time now, and the rest of the world is about to catch on,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, a Greater Boston Jeep dealer. “That is going to place a lot of pressure on the Toledo, Ohio assembly line that produces the Wrangler, but I’m sure Jeep will come up with ways to increase capacity.”

 Chrysler’s Toledo assembly plant has a capacity of 150,000 units per year, but had already produced nearly 71,000 units through the first five months of 2011, which means that a steady increase in sales in the coming months would require some quick thinking on the automaker’s part to boost production. While the Ford Explorer is typically near the top of the charts when it comes to SUV sales, the Wrangler outperformed its larger competitor in June U.S. sales, with 11,290 units sold compared to the Explorer’s 10,422.

 Jeep Wranglers feature a standard Sunrider soft top that can quickly be stowed so the driver can enjoy the summer sun, but which provides easy cover in case of a sudden rain shower. The doors of every Wrangler are removable, and the windshield can fold down to create a complete open-air experience. There is also an optional Freedom Top hardtop that creates a secure and sleek-looking exterior, featuring large glass windows for improved visibility.

 Off-roading in the Wrangler can be achieved with the option of two available four-wheel-drive systems, including Command-Trac, which is available on the Wrangler Sport and Wrangler Sahara, and Rock-Trac, which comes standard on the Wrangler Rubicon. While the Wrangler currently houses a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 237 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque, the Toledo Blade has also reported that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is expected to receive an upgraded engine later this year in the form of the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, which would provide both increased power and fuel economy.

 “When it comes to capability in all conditions, there’s nothing like a Jeep Wrangler, and with its increased focus on international markets and new engines reported to be on the way, we’re expecting to see unprecedented sales,” Gill added. “Off-roaders are hard on their equipment, so you know they’re going to pick the toughest vehicle they can, and the Wrangler is only getting tougher.”

Pleased Chrysler owners are everywhere, according to automotive research firm AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The awards recently singled out Chrysler vehicles as having the most satisfied customers of any popular auto brand available in North America. In addition to its overall popular brand award, AutoPacific revealed that the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, available at Chrysler dealerships like Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, won the 2011 VSA in the Minivan category.

AutoPacific’s 15th annual VSAs were determined by polling more than 68,000 new vehicle owners nationwide. Winners were announced in 26 different vehicle categories and two brand categories, with Chrysler claiming the Highest Satisfaction Popular Brand award. The Chrysler Town & Country was rated on 48 separate indicators of satisfaction to claim the award for top minivan.

“We can talk about Chrysler’s commitment to quality all we want, but the proof lies in what owners think once they start driving,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, a Massachusetts Chrysler dealer. “The VSA award shows that Chrysler buyers are very happy with the quality of their cars. Industry awards are always nice, but these consumer opinion awards carry a lot more weight.”

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan has a host of features to help families manage their days and their budgets, starting with an all-new engine that earns 25 mpg on the highway without skimping on power. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Town and Country builds on the tradition of utility in Chrysler minivans with available load-leveling suspension that adjusts itself based on cargo load to maintain stability. For vacation duty, the available Towing Prep Package enables the minivan to pull loads up to 3,600 pounds, enough for a small boat or camper.

In the not-too-distant future, Town & Country minivans will offer enhanced safety and all-condition performance with available all-wheel drive, according to Chrysler Group LLC CEO Sergio Marchionne. The minivan’s last all-wheel-drive package was dropped in 2004, but will likely return in the next-generation Town & Country in 2013.

The future Town & Country may also share a chassis with a new compact pickup truck for the Ram lineup. Dubbed a “lifestyle truck” and aimed to compete directly with the Honda Ridgeline, the new Ram compact pickup will utilize a unibody chassis rather than the body-on-frame design found in conventional trucks, making it lighter and more fuel efficient. A unibody truck concept called the Dodge Rampage was first shown by Chrysler at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, offering seating for five, a low bed for easy loading and unloading and sliding doors.

“Chrysler is focusing on innovation where it counts, in fuel economy and features that expand the capabilities of its vehicles,” Gill said. “Massachusetts families with busy schedules will find the new Town & Country to be the perfect organizer for errands and events, as well as a fun and reliable way to get where they need to go.”

Jeep owners have always had a penchant for modifying their Trail Rated rides, whether it has been with lift kits and knobby tires or sound systems and exhausts. Recognizing the importance of customization to its buyers, Jeep has added to the fun with the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave edition and a new Wrangler JK-8 Independence kit from Mopar that converts the Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup truck.

 Joining a long line of customized Jeep rides from the past, like the Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition Wrangler and the Islander and Mountain Wrangler trims, the Wrangler Mojave sports a desert-themed paint job featuring lizard decals and a body-colored hard top. The utility vehicle shares its side steps with the desert-themed Jeep Sahara.

 The JK-8 Independence pickup-truck conversion kit is the first two-seater pickup option for Wrangler owners since the popular Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 ended production in the 1980s. The kit allows drivers to ditch the back seats of four-door Wrangler Unlimited models and add a pickup bed.

 “The Wrangler Mojave will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who want the rugged reliability of a Jeep with added personality and refinement,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, a Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “Fans of the Scrambler CJ-8 have been waiting a long time for Jeep to create a factory pickup-truck conversion kit, and the JK-8 Independence kit delivers by adding a lot of utility to the already-capable Wrangler. I can see it becoming a very popular kit for gear junkies.”

 To keep rocks and dirt at bay, the Mojave wears flared fenders over the same aggressive wheels and tires found on the off-road specialist Jeep Rubicon trims. Inside, drivers are treated to dark-brown leather seats and driftwood accents, while slush mats come standard to help keep mud and snow confined to the foot wells. Mojave models will be available in Bright White, Black and Sahara Tan when they arrive at Jeep dealers in June.

 Wrangler JK-8 Independence kits will be available around the Fourth of July in the same colors as the standard Wrangler Unlimited, which will make customizing an existing four-door Wrangler a simple affair. The DIY crowd will appreciate the bed, which measures 50 inches long by 44 inches wide between the wheel wells, providing more useful width than compact pickup competition like the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. The kit will be available at Jeep dealers and body shops, and Mopar claims that the conversion can be completed over the course of a weekend by skilled technicians. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Mopar says it will be competitive.

 “Massachusetts Jeep fans know that when it comes to fun, the Wrangler is the best deal going. Now the Wrangler is ready to work as hard as it plays,” Gill added. “No other pickup truck on the market is Trail Rated like the Wrangler, which means you can trust the JK-8 Independence Wrangler to haul loads in places that compact pickups can’t reach.”

This week, thousands of Jeep enthusiasts travel to the rugged desert terrain of Moab, Utah to ride, play and share feedback on four new-look Jeep Wranglers, courtesy of Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand, Mopar. Ranging from complete engine packages to slush mats, the parts and accessories on the customized vehicles at the 2011 Easter Jeep Safari will reveal new possibilities to Jeep Wrangler customers, whether they want to stand out in the desert or blend in on Cape Cod’s dunes.

 The four “Moparized” Jeep Wranglers on display at the Easter Jeep Safari will include the Jeep Wrangler “Pork Chop,” “Renegade,” “Blue Crush,” and “JK-8 Independence.” A more nimble version of the Wrangler, the Pork Chop sheds more than 850 pounds by ditching tailgate bumpers, carpet and sway bars and using lightweight aluminum for its bumpers, hood latches, cold-air intake kit and skid plate. The Renegade favors pure power, delivering 475 horsepower from a powerful 6.4-liter Hemi designed by Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team.

 Off-road racing enthusiasts will be drawn to the Blue Crush, which includes a high-speed, 426-cubic-inch, 540-horsepower Mopar Hemi anchored by a Mopar-added suspension system with internal bypass shocks. Meanwhile, the JK-8 Independence represents the first return to a consumer-focused Wrangler pickup truck since the popular Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 from the 1980s. The JK-8 Independence’s drivetrain includes a Mopar/Dynatrac ProRock 44 front axle and stock Dana 44 rear axle, each set in motion with 4.88 gears.

 “Jeep’s Moab event is a perfect example of why the Wrangler is still the most fun vehicle out there, with some of the most fun owners,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, a Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “How many other vehicles have as many options for drastic alterations to completely meet a customer’s desires? Thanks to Mopar’s range of parts, the answer is none.”

 While most of the vehicles on display at the Easter Jeep Safari are currently only concepts, Mopar has announced that it will soon be offering a JK-8 kit that will allow owners of the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to convert their vehicles into pickup trucks. With a planned release in late summer, the kit can be ordered by Wrangler owners through their Jeep dealer and be installed over the course of a weekend.

 In addition to serving Jeep, Mopar has thousands of accessories and parts available for Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles that can be ordered and installed at dealerships. Several new models are also available off the lot with Mopar accessories, such as the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, which features optional Mopar chrome grilles and sidesteps.

 “Mopar offers our customers the chance to upgrade and customize throughout their vehicle’s entire lifetime, and it’s a labor of love for many of them,” Gill added. “Whether it is a simple exterior accessory at the time of purchase, or a completely new suspension system later on, we can make their vehicle completely unique.”

According to the New England Motor Press Association, your best bet for minimizing travel headaches and fleeing cabin fever is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So say the more than 50 media professionals from across six states who named the Grand Cherokee 2011’s Official Winter Vehicle of New England, an award NEMPA has presented annually since 1998.

The group includes automotive writers and talk show hosts from outlets ranging from NPR to The New York Times, and is uniquely qualified to deal with winter, working in one of the most populous and unpredictable winter climates in the United States. With the early months of 2011 bringing record snow in January and bitter cold in February, it took a particularly capable vehicle to impress the judges.

 “I can’t imagine how I would have survived the last few months if it weren’t for my Jeep,” said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealer. “With the roads as icy as they’ve been, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s four-wheel drive is a necessity. And the heated seats make driving in winter storms about as pleasant as it can be.”

One of the features that enables the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to thrive in all four seasons is its available terrain response system that, conveniently enough, includes a “Snow” setting. Its dial allows drivers to select the conditions they’re taking their Grand Cherokee through, and the vehicle adjusts its throttle, drivetrain, and its suspension accordingly. A height-adjustable air-suspension system gives Greater Boston Jeep drivers a way of getting through deep snow and the mounds of ice left behind by snow plows.

For added winter stability, the SelecTerrain system splits torque evenly between the front and rear wheels and starts the transmission in second gear from a standstill, providing an extra boost of power that keeps the tires from digging in and spinning.

“We’d be happy to receive the NEMPA award at any time, but it’s particularly gratifying to get it during one of the harshest winters in recent memory,” Gill said. “This was a winter that truly put the capabilities of all vehicles to the test. Massachusetts Jeep drivers had a definite advantage on the roads as the snow piled up. Hopefully we won’t see another winter like this for a long time, but I’m sure there are some Grand Cherokee owners out there who wouldn’t mind getting another chance to discover everything their vehicles can do.”

The Official Winter Vehicle of New England award arrives on the heels of a major milestone for the Jeep brand. In mid-February, Jeep became the first American automaker to exceed one million fans on Facebook. Many industry watchers consider the number of fans on social networking sites to be an accurate gauge of both how well-known and well-liked a company is. The closest competing domestic brand lags Jeep’s total by 450,000 fans.