Europe is getting the Grand Cherokee with a diesel as well as special 70th anniversary editions, as Jeep will announce at the Geneva Auto Show in a week’s time.

The diesel will be a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, sourced from the Fiat mothership and built by VM Motori. It’ll come in two forms: one with 188 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, and the other with 237 horsepower and 406 lb-ft, which also gets around 28 miles per gallon.

Meanwhile at Geneva, Jeep will introduce 70th Anniversary Editions of all its models, including the Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Patriot, and Compass. The package includes exterior trim packages, brushed-aluminum door sills, 18-inch wheels, and some nifty badges; the interior will get Dark Olive perforated leather seats, shiny trim, and Berber floor mats.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

According to a recent study by Edmunds for ABC News, the Dodge Caliber is the least popular car in America – and it’s not the only Chrysler product to rate highly on the list of the 10 worst selling cars in America. In fact, four of the top spots are Chrysler products, with the Dodge Avenger rating second, the Charger fifth and the Jeep Patriot sixth.

The list rates the worst selling cars in America according to the supply of vehicles left on dealer lots. What that number represents is actual demand for a vehicle as compared to expected demand. Currently Dodge has a stockpile of Calibers that will last 223 days.

Dealers also have 211 days worth of Avengers as well as 163 days worth of both Dodge Chargers and Jeep Patriots.

Other unpopular vehicles include the Pontiac G6 in third place and the Kia Optima in fourth. ABC even quoted AutoGuide on the Optima saying it, “rides far too loosely on its suspension,” and that the interior uses a “less-than-pleasing material.”

Kia and GM products appear later on in the list as well, with the Kia Spectra taking the seventh spot while the Chevy Cobalt and Colorado finish eighth and ninth respectively. The Ford Mustang (2009) finished 10th.

[Source: ABC News]

Now that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is at the helm of the new Chrysler he is looking at making some changes. For starters, the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass may get the axe.

Marchionne is looking at cutting under-performing models from the Chrysler lineup, with a particular focus on the models mentioned, while also examining how the company can become more cost effective by adjusting prices and tweaking the trim levels and equipment offered on the company’s many vehicles.

The Caliber has the best chance of staying on but it is likely to receive major changes.

Fiat is also examining a plan that would see Alfa Romeo models rebadged as Dodges in North America, while some Dodge models that make it to Europe would wear the Alfa crest.

As for the Jeep brand, arguably the strongest name of the three, Fiat may look to make a push with it in emerging markets, something Chrysler never tried to do in the past.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Jeep used the Paris Motor Show to display two concept versions of its popular compact SUVs, the Patriot and Compass.

The Jeep Patriot Back Country is a rugged vehicle designed for a more active lifestyle. Looking familiar from the outside, the inside receives a significant update with earthy colors and textures. The SUV also features a list of authentic Jeep accessories by Mopar.

As for the Compass Overland concept, it moved the compact SUV up-market with a classy design and superior safety, connectivity and audio features. Many of the style highlights on the Compass Overland have been adapted from the popular Grand Cherokee Overland and Commander Overland production SUVs.

Both SUVs feature improved sound-deadening, an improved ride quality, redesigned instrument clusters, center consoles and door trim panels, as well as custom interior materials and colors. We expect Jeep will add these two vehicles to its lineup in 2010.

Jeep Patriot Back Country:

Jeep Compass Overland:

Official release after the jump:
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