Sales of Jeep brand vehicles rose 61.8 per cent in Europe (the 27 member states of the European Union, plus the four European Free Trade Association countries) in 2011 versus 2010 – compared to an industry decline of 1.4 per cent – according to numbers released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

In 2011 in Italy, Jeep sales increased 117.6 per cent versus 2010, with registrations increasing 71.7 per cent in France, 124 per cent in Germany, 21.2 per cent in Spain and 18 per cent in UK.

In December, Jeep sales rose 47.8 per cent in Europe versus December 2010, while the industry declined 5.8 per cent.

“The increase in Jeep sales in Europe is evidence that Chrysler Group’s integration with the Fiat Group is clearly working,” says Mike Manley, president and ceo, Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Much of the Jeep brand’s success in Europe can be attributed to a strengthened dealer network, as well as a rollout of new Jeep models for the European market – including the incorporation of Fiat’s fuel- and emissions-saving MultiJet II technology on the new 3.0-litre CRD engine that powers the Grand Cherokee.”