DETROIT -- Chrysler took the driver's seat at the North American International Auto Show to unveil the new 2014 Jeep line, including the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee.
Jeep enthusiasts will appreciate the Grand Cherokee's estimated 30 mpg on the highway thanks to its new 3.0-liter, EcoDiesel V-6 engine. The price won't be annouced until closer to the sale date, but representatives confirmed to the Associated Press that the diesel option would be "more expensive" than the gasoline models.
The Toledo built Jeep Liberty line will be replaced this year with a yet-to-be named SUV line that Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said will be the "definitive product" for Jeep.
Chrysler also introduced updates to the Compass and Patriot models and addressed plans to build Jeeps in China and Russia.
"Anybody with common sense can see we are expanding the plant in Toledo, there's a huge market share to keep the plant there," said Chrysler CEO of SRT Brand Ralph Gilles. "We are adding jobs internationally, but they will not be replacing American jobs."
Chrysler sold more than 700,000 vehicles worldwide for the first time last year, a 19 percent increase from 2011, according to Reuters.
(The Associated Press and WNWO's Joe Galli contributed to this report)
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