Looking ahead to a steady yet moderate 2010, Chrysler remains on track to break even this year.

The Chrysler Group, managed by Fiat SPA, said it had $5 billion in cash at the end of 2009 and the company plans to sell 1.1 million vehicles this year.

Chrysler finished 2009 with 931,402 units sold, a decline of 36 percent compared with 2008. Sales fell 35.9 percent, to 931,402, marking the first year sales were under a million for Chrysler since 1962, according to Edmunds.com.

The Jeep lineup includes Commander, Compass, grand cherokee Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and wrangler unlimited. Jeep Wrangler’s strong showing in 2009 along with increased sales of Jeep Grand cherokee continued to top market share in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

The Jeep Compass was named the #3 worst car sold for this decade while the SUV that held the top spot in sales was the Jeep Wrangler, according to Cars.com.

As part of Chrysler’s plan, sales volumes will increase to 2.8 million cars in 2014, more than double 2009 volumes. Chrysler is expected to report quarterly results by April 30.

During the first quarter of 2010, the Jeep brand sold 18,939 vehicles outside North America, an increase of 27 percent compared to the same period in 2009. In March 2010, the Jeep brand sold 7,852 vehicles outside North America, an increase of 36 percent compared to March 2009.

Total sales of the Jeep brand worldwide, including the US, Canada and Mexico, reached 93,458 units during the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 5 percent compared to the first three months of 2009.

Chrysler will not be launching nearly as many new models in 2010 as Ford or General Motors but the Jeep brand is broadening its vehicle lineup with three new rugged vehicles, the 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade and the Jeep Wrangler will offer two new limited-editions models, the Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain.
End

The engine, a 3.8L V-6, produces 202 horsepower and the consumer still has the choice of either a four-speed automatic or manual transmission. Reviews have been given across the board that the engine has good power, but it does make more noise than the traditional SUV’s. Road noise is also apparent with on the highway driving, but that is to be expected with a vehicle built for off roading, rather than highway driving. Speaking of off road, Jeep stands tough with it’s live axle front and rear suspensions. Providing good ground clearance around 10 inches, it also has the four wheel-drive system available. Other features included on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler are locking differentials, heavy duty axles, and a Rock-Trac transfer case with extra-low gearing. You will also find anti-lock brakes and an electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar.

In regards to safety, the 2009 Jeep Wrangler scored a five-star rating for it’s front and side impact protection. Also, the two-wheel-drive models were rated as having a four-star rollover protection, however the four-wheel models were rated at three stars. Now a standard on the Wrangler, is the tire pressure monitor, which is on both the short and long wheelbase. For these models, there are also new safety features like HSA or Hill Start Assist, which will prevent a rollback on a surface that is graded, and Trailer Sway Control. The function of TSC (Trailer Sway Control), is to monitor the vehicles movement relative to the path that the vehicle is taking. If the trailer begins to sway outside the set parameter, it will activate the Electronic Stability Program also known as ESP.

Although there are reviews out there stating complaints about the poor gas mileage (16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway), most consumers do not mind, because most who purchase a Jeep are doing so for it’s classic off road capabilities. You may just be one of those consumers that loves a Jeep, and knows that it is historically one of a kind. As with most vehicles on the current market, the 2009 Jeep Wrangler comes with the option of Sirrius Satellite Radio, navigation, and a music hard drive.