In addition to the already wide range of selection in the Jeep lineup, the DaimlerChrysler marque, has launched the production of a small crossover SUV on its Belvidere Assembly Plant, named the Jeep Patriot. It was first seen at the 2006 New York Auto Show, and is one of the first crossover SUVs to be released by the Jeep brand into the market.

The Patriot is a 4-door jeep wagon which was based on the Dodge Caliber. The latter is a compact car produced by yet another division of the DaimlerChrysler group, Dodge. The Patriot will bring with it the durability accompanying the brand name, from the tough Jeep parts to the engineering prowess of the design team of the company.

It will be powered by a 2.4 liter four cylinder GEMA gasoline engine and will be available in three different drive configurations. Buyers can choose from a front wheel drive unit, a 4 wheel drive system with lock mode, or a fulltime 4-wheel drive system.

The manufacture of the said model has taken advantage of the capabilities of the $419 million Belvidere plant which can manufacture different models in one assembly line. This is one of the major advances on the part of the DaimlerChrysler, increasing the production rate of the company and decreasing costs in the manufacture of its automobiles. The Patriot along with the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass are the models produced from one assembly line in their plant.

The Jeep Patriot is the tenth product from the Chrysler group in the previous year, and all of its predecessors made last year were given great reviews and good costumer feedbacks. While that may be the case, the corporation still lost 8 per cent through November last year. This is because of the drop in sales of trucks and midsize SUVs which has been the one of their strongest products in the market.

The arrival of the Jeep Patriot though is expected to boost the financial status of the company. It is one of those vehicles that command attention from buyers. With its fuel economy which is one of its strongest points, the Patriot would surely be accepted by the gas price conscious public.

Another reason for the expected success of the Patriot is that it has better off road capabilities than any other vehicle in its class. With fuel economy, stylish design and the Jeep name to back it up, the Patriot will no doubt carve a niche in the market as soon as it is released.