August 31, 2006,  Auburn Hills, Mich. -

The Chrysler Group is expanding its stability technologies by adding several new features, including the industry’s first Trailer Sway Control for full-size SUVs, and making Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) available on an extended range of 2007 model-year vehicles.

“Whether it’s trailer towing, hill driving or simply improved vehicle control, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles are designed for safety and stability,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. “The Chrysler Group is offering customers more peace of mind with its broad range of engineering advancements.”

Trailer Sway Control
The Chrysler Group is the first automobile manufacturer to offer Trailer Sway Control as standard equipment on a full-size SUV – the 2007 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango. The system monitors the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path and the vehicle’s yaw sensor recognizes sway. Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure on one front wheel to counteract the yaw (sway) induced by the trailer and applies brake pressure to all four wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase brake pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The system will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer is under control.
View a streaming video demonstration: http://www.dcxmediaservices.com/videoptrs/wms/dctv/MEDIA/2006/sep/durangotrailer.wvx
Availability: 2007 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango

Hill Start Assist
This system assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the same level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the foot is removed from the brake pedal. It will release the brake pedal in proportion to the amount of throttle applied. If the throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the foot is removed from the brake pedal, the system will release brake pressure.

Hill Start Assist activates when the vehicle is stopped on a seven percent or greater grade and the gear selection matches the vehicle’s uphill direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle facing downhill is in Reverse gear).

With automatic-transmission-equipped vehicles, the system will work in Reverse and all forward gears. The system will not activate if the vehicle is shifted into Neutral. With a manual transmission, it will work in Reverse and all forward gears, and will briefly hold the vehicle on a hill while in Neutral.
Availability: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500

Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal. The system works by applying the brakes to each wheel individually as needed to reduce forward motion when negotiating down steep grades.

Applying pressure to the accelerator or brake pedal at any time will override the system. With Hill Descent Control, drivers can be confident of vehicle control down steep grades.
Availability: 2007 Jeep Patriot

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
ERM is an active safety feature designed to monitor the vehicle roll attitude and lateral force to estimate the potential for a rollover situation. If a potential rollover condition occurs, the engine torque is reduced and a short burst of full braking is applied to the appropriate wheel to help stabilize the vehicle. ERM software is an extension of Electronic Stability Control (ESP).
Availability: 2007 Chrysler Aspen; Dodge Durango and Nitro; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot and Wrangler

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances control and helps maintain directional stability under all driving conditions. It provides the greatest benefits in critical situations such as turns, and is especially valuable on slippery surface conditions such as snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a noticeable difference between what the driver is requesting through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s actual path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle reduction to put the vehicle back on the driver’s intended path.

Each vehicle has a unique and specific calibration to offer safe control under a variety of conditions and in a manner that is not intrusive in normal or spirited driving.
View a streaming video demonstration: http://www.dcxmediaservices.com/videoptrs/wms/dctv/MEDIA/2006/sep/esp.wvx
Availability: 2007 Chrysler 300, Aspen, Crossfire, Pacifica and Sebring; Dodge Caliber, Charger, Durango, Magnum and Nitro; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler