The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is going to bring the best in terms of new engine technology as well as vehicle interaction with it’s UConnect functionality.

A comparable type system built by Ford called SYNC delivers a similar integration function that enables a cross-platform communication. These systems are bridging the best of the web applications to interact and become accessible with the vehicles computer system.

If you are one who is a heavy Facebook, Twitter or other social network user, then you’d be excited to find out that your favorite manufacturer is taking the steps to become a open system.

These qualities are becoming more and more necessary as people elect to use the simple communication tools such as Twitter. In addition, the advantage of having a hands-free integration will be less distractions trying to access text messages or other types of message systems.

The vehicles that have this type of technology will soon be in high demand as people look to gain much more than simply transportation when purchasing a car. Easy to use map and navigation devices that are intuitive and simple, a vehicle hands-free mobile interface, and other types of similar functionality.

If Jeep were ever to release a gamechanger in terms of 4×4 and luxury, now would be the time. By integrating the technology of UConnect, Jeep is going to moving in the right direction for allowing owners the opportunity to interact and communicate with the latest devices and staying connected in your vehicle without sacrificing safety is a feature that is certainly needed.

The vehicles will be getting more and more access to internet content from podcasts, TV, and video to rich applications that allow users to be in touch with friends, business partners and other contacts. The importance of quickly responding to messages today is an expectation that many employers also require.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is changing the focus for the SUV market

The vehicle personalization and customization market was and always will be a lucrative source of revenue for auto manufacturers. The main issues that OEM’s face when it comes to upselling accessories is the expectation that costs will be inflated.

Some people prefer lots of different products to accessorize or personalize their vehicle and fleshing out these products typically happen in the aftermarket industry where some products are home runs and some never make it.

The brand recognition aspect also has significant influence on which product has the best quality. The auto industry has very unforgiving tendencies when it comes to a product that doesn’t perform to the extent it claims to in the marketing material.

Buying Aftermarket Vs. Buying OEM

One of the disadvantages that the aftermarket products face is the fact they can potentially void warranties and jeopardize reliability. Owners fail to heed the warnings and become fixated on the statistics promised by products that simply can’t fulfill. This results in a poor ownership experience and frustration.

Limiting Products to Mainstream Buyers

OEM’s like Chrysler have identified the different lifestyles of their loyal owners and aimed to improve specifically upon those interests and created packages which cater to them. The Grand Cherokee specifically has more than adequate offroad ability, and combines it with a sophisticated, newly developed platform with great design and functionality.

Typically, the consumer is left to the products developed in the automotive aftermarket, a solution that isn’t typically ideal for someone who doesn’t desire to alter the vehicle much.

The types of accessories available for the Grand Cherokee represent the vehicles wide range of upgrades from four wheel drive enhancements to electronics.

[source: Chrysler]

Following are select Mopar performance parts and accessories available on the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. A complete list of Mopar parts and accessories is available at www.mopar.com.

Exterior

Wheels: Mopar offers five accessory wheels in a variety of sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches. “Rugged” style aluminum wheels are available in polished silver and painted black and are treated in a durable clear-coat finish. Wheels meet strict strength, corrosion and balance standards and requirements. A stamped-steel wheel for the snow-tire market will also be available. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): Starting at $90

Chromed Parts: A variety of chromed parts give the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee a unique, customized appearance.

Parts include side-mirror covers, exhaust tips, and fog-lamp bezels for the front bumper.

MSRP for side-mirror covers: $89, part number 82212218. MSRP for exhaust tips: $77.30, part number 82212400. MSRP for fog bezels: $81.40, part number 82212341.

Molded Splash Guards: Deluxe and flexible front and rear splash guards are molded to the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s contours for a custom fit and provide excellent lower body protection. MSRP for front splash guards: $35.10, part number 82210219AB. MSRP for rear splash guards: $35.10, part number 82212020AB

Skid Plates: Available for fuel tank, transfer case and engine, Mopar skid plates are made of heavy-gauge steel and painted with a high-quality black finish in order to provide protection to vital components when traveling off-road. MSRP for fuel tank skid plate: $264, part number 82211999. MSRP for front-axle skid plate: $92.75, part number 82211995. MSRP for transfer-case skid plate: $92.75, part number 82211994

Sport-utility Bars: Mount to original-equipment side rails in order to allow other rooftop carriers to be installed with ease. Lockable bars are made of aluminum and help protect against corrosion, while T-slots allow for quick carrier installation. MSRP: $244, part number 82212072AB
Roof Cargo Basket, Soft-side Roof Cargo Carrier and Bike and Ski

Carriers: Mount to sport-utility bars on vehicle roof and allow for two-tier loading. MSRP: starting at $121

Trailer Hitch and Trailer Wiring: A variety of towing products are available. MSRP for trailer hitch: $233, part number 82212180. MSRP for seven-way round wiring connector: $67, part number 82212196AB

Tubular Side Steps: Constructed of light-weight, anodized aluminum and available in black or chrome, tubular side steps provide wide skid-resistant stepping surfaces for easy entry and exit. MSRP for chrome: $516, part number 82212129. MSRP for black: $309, part number 82212130

Vehicle Covers: A front-end cover protects the vehicle from bugs, dirt and road debris and is made of black vinyl with 22-oz. polyester backing. MSRP: $195, part number 82212083. A full-vehicle cover is made of premium, heavy-weight material that is washable and water resistant. Cover helps protect finish from ultraviolet rays, dirt and other airborn pollutants. MSRP: $212, part number 82212084

Wheel-lock Kit: Kit protects against wheel and tire theft and includes four chrome-plated locking nuts, and one exclusive Mopar key. MSRP: $45.35, part number 82210879

Interior and Electronics

Bright Pedal Kit: Made from aircraft-quality polished stainless steel with chemical-resistant rubber, bright pedal covers are designed specifically for production pedals and are easy to install. MSRP: $55.65, part number 82212055

Dog Bed:Bed is 31 inches by 36 inches and made of a 2-inch thick tan and grey textured material. The zippered cover removes for easy washing. MSRP: $72, part number 82210316

Door-sill Guards: Brushed stainless-steel guards protect interior sills from scratches and feature the Jeep Grand Cherokee logo on front sills. Front sills are also available in stainless steel with an illuminated Jeep logo. MSRP for stainless: $89, part number 82212118. MSRP for illuminated: $169, part number 82212120

Engine Block and Battery Heater Kits: Heaters plug into standard 110-volt outlet and ensure fast starts and quick warm-ups. MSRP: starts at $37

Katzkin Leather Seat Covers: Premium leather seating packages in a variety of colors and trims. Fully customizable as to color, leather, logos and stitching. MSRP starts at $1,199

FLO TV™: Chrysler Group LLC, through Mopar, is the first automaker in the U.S. to offer live, mobile TV. Content includes programming from ABC, ABC Entertainment, ABC Family, ABC News, Adult Swim Mobile, CBS, CBS College Sports, CBS News, CNBC, CNN Mobile, COMEDY CENTRAL, Disney Channel, Disney Channel Original Movies, ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPN 2, FOX, FOX News Channel, FOX Sports, Fuel TV, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, NBC2Go, NBC News, NBC Sports, Nickelodeon, Playhouse Disney, SOAPNET and Speed. MSRP: $509 plus installation, part number 82212162AB

iPod Interface Kit: Play iPod music files directly through the vehicle’s audio system by plugging the iPod into the custom cable and controlling the music selection with the iPod’s control wheel. iPod interface cable to be used only with Mopar Uconnect phone kits with iPod integration. MSRP: $87.15 plus installation, part number 82211853

ParkSense® Rear-park Assist System: Assists at low speeds in Reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver and has a display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) integrated into the instrument cluster. MSRP: $359 plus install, part number 82212158

Portable Navigation System: Mopar offers a variety of competitively priced, easy-to-use navigation systems that provide precise guidance to destinations through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology. MSRP: starting at $179

Rear-seat Video, DVD: Mopar 10-inch DVD player is integrated into the headliner and is controlled by infrared remote (not available with dual-pane roof). Audio may be accessed through the vehicle’s sound system and/or through two wireless headphones. An auxiliary input is provided for a video camera, CD, MP3 and video games. MSRP: $1,105 plus installation, part number 82212362.

Uconnect Phone: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. MSRP: $407 plus installation, part number 82211755AB

Uconnect Web: Turns your vehicle into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing every passenger to harness the power and entertainment value of online accessibility. MSRP: $499 plus installation, part number 8221856AB, service sold separately.

Mopar-first Features


Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers

• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers

• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format

• FLO TV: first to offer live, mobile television in the United States

• WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot

• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a suggested MSRP starting at $30,215.