Auburn
Hills, MI - Columbia
Sportswear Company (Nasdaq:COLM) and the Jeep® brand
announced today that they are teaming up to offer the new
limited-production "Columbia® Edition" Jeep Grand
Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler. Available
in both the United States and Canada, vehicles will
begin arriving at dealerships this fall.
"Jeep
owners are true adventurers who know and appreciate the
difference between the real thing and an imitation," said
Jeff Bell, Vice President - Jeep, DaimlerChrysler
Corporation. "This alliance between Jeep
and Columbia Sportswear is a natural fit since Columbia
and Jeep owners alike value the outdoors, authenticity
and freedom."
The "Columbia Edition" Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and
Wrangler feature premium wheels, two-tone exterior treatment,
special trim and distinctive Columbia badging. Interiors
feature two-tone seats with an embroidered Columbia
logo and unique accent trim.
Every "Columbia Edition" Jeep vehicle purchased will come
with a complimentary Columbia Bugaboo® parka featuring
a zip-in Chehalis™ or Shoshone™ fleece vest. All
garments are available in a variety of sizes and colors.
We're
very excited to announce this alliance with
Jeep and to ultimately feature Columbia branded vehicles," said
Tim Boyle, CEO and President, Columbia Sportswear. "Both
Columbia and Jeep share a common vision and a long history
of producing high quality products for outdoor enthusiasts."
Jeep
Wrangler "Columbia Edition" vehicles start at $20,980,
including destination. Customers can get into a "Columbia
Edition" Jeep Liberty for $23,210, including destination. The "Columbia
Edition" Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $30,375, including
destination.
Building
on the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee's fresh look, the "Columbia Edition" features unique 17-inch platinum
wheels, graphite fascias and trim, sun roof, fog lamps,
roof rack cross rails and Columbia badging. The Jeep
Grand Cherokee "Columbia Edition" interior features Dark
Slate Gray and Taupe two-tone seats with the
Columbia logo, unique instrument panel bezels with aluminum
finish, 10-disc CD changer with six Infinity® speakers
and a mini trip computer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee "Columbia
Edition" is available in Brilliant Black, Bright Silver,
Inferno Red, Stone White and Midnight Blue.

The Jeep Liberty "Columbia Edition" model includes 16-inch
graphite painted aluminum wheels, graphite painted
fascias and body moldings, body color fender flares, sun roof, fog
lamps and Columbia badging. New interior features
on this limited production model are Dark Slate Gray
and Taupe two-tone seats embroidered with the Columbia
logo, satin chrome instrument panel accents, leather-wrapped
steering wheel and CD player with six speakers. Jeep
Liberty "Columbia Edition" models are available in Black,
Bright Silver, Flame Red, Light Khaki and Atlantic Blue.

As
the legendary Jeep vehicle, Wrangler continues to deliver
one-of-a-kind feeling of fun, freedom and adventure. The
Jeep Wrangler "Columbia Edition" features 15-inch
graphite painted aluminum wheels, unique graphite
fender flares, fog lamps and new Columbia badging. Inside
are Dark Slate and Khaki two-tone seats with the Columbia
logo and silver painted instrument panel accents. The
Jeep Wrangler "Columbia Edition" models are available in
Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot
Blue.

The "Columbia Edition" Jeep vehicles will be nationally
promoted in a variety of media beginning this
fall.