AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Jeep now has a lot of friends — on Facebook.

Along with receiving another regional award for one of its models, brand officials recently learned they’ve reached and surpassed 1 million fans on Facebook, claiming to be the first domestic brand to accomplish this achievement.

In collecting more than 1 million fans on its Facebook page, Jeep believes it exceeds the next closest domestic brand’s fan total by more than 450,000.

Last year, brand officials shared that they experienced triple-digit growth in their fan base on Facebook.

This past July, Jeep recounted that its fans tested the size limits of Facebook’s photo album, “Photos by Others.” The company said fans exceeded the 20,000 photo-limit, resulting in a need for Facebook to accommodate the increased number of images.

Along with Facebook, Jeep indicated its social media initiatives include presence on Twitter, YouTube and foursquare.

The brand claims it was the first nameplate to have an official profile on foursquare.com, the popular location-based social network that allows users to “check-in” at any location. Meanwhile, the nameplate also indicated the official Jeep brand YouTube channel is among the top 10 sponsored-channels with more than 4.3 million video views.

Jeep vehicle sales improved 24 percent globally and 26 percent in the U.S. versus 2009 with double-digit sales gains for each vehicle in the brand’s lineup.

For 2011, Jeep has introduced all-new or significantly refreshed versions of each of its vehicles. The brand’s vehicle portfolio consists of:

—Compass: “A compact SUV with a new sophisticated, premium design for 2011, the Jeep Compass delivers unsurpassed 4×4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4×4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value ,” brand officials described.

—Grand Cherokee: “The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures,” the brand stressed.

—Liberty: “The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated 4×4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider open canvas roof,” officials highlighted.

—Patriot: “A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4×4 fuel economy and segment leading capability,” the brand emphasized. 

—Wrangler: “The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models,” officials shared.

—Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011 and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models,” the brand mentioned.

Mike Manley, president and chief executive officer of Chrysler Group’s Jeep brand, elaborated about what the Facebook achievement means.

“We are honored to be the first and only domestic automotive brand that can claim more than 1 million Facebook fans,” Manley stated.

“This reinforces the fact that Jeep is clearly one of the most well-known and loved brands throughout the world, and comes as we continue to gain sales momentum and begin to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the brand,” he continued.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Honored by New England Motor Press Association

In other recent company news, the New England Motor Press Association recently tapped the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as its Official Winter Vehicle of New England, adding to a growing list of prestigious awards for the model.

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is quiet, luxurious and comfortable,” explained John Paul, NEMPA Winter Vehicle Awards team leader.

“During one of toughest New England winters on record, it handled everything Mother Nature could put in its way,” Paul added.

Once a year, more than 50 NEMPA members who represent all six New England states gather for their Winter Vehicle voting day. Members indicated winners are chosen based on how they met specific needs of New England drivers during winter.

“NEMPA’s automotive writers and talk show hosts influence consumers who are in the market to buy cars and trucks in order to cope with the region’s punishing weather conditions,” the association emphasized.

Jeep reiterated that the 2011 Grand Cherokee includes a choice of three 4×4 systems, a new Jeep Selec-Terrain system with five terrain settings and a new Quadra-Lift air suspension system. In addition, Grand Cherokee offers improved fuel economy — up to 23 mpg — a world-class interior cabin and more than 45 safety and security features.

“A New England winter can prove to be a harsh environment for most vehicles, but it’s the perfect setting for the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee to showcase its all-weather capability,” Manley stressed.

“We are delighted that these prominent New England automotive journalists have recognized the capability, comfort and refinement of the Jeep Grand Cherokee,” he went on to say.

The 2011 Official Winter Vehicle of New England is the most recent award in a long list of honors given to the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Other accolades include:

—MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Large Utility.

—Consumers Digest Best Buy

—Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

—Four Wheeler’s Four Wheeler of the Year.

—Detroit News’ Truck of the Year.

—AutoWeek’s Best of the Best 2011 Truck Award.

—Urban Truck of the Year.

—Internet Truck of the Year.

—Popular Mechanics’ Automotive Excellence Award for Off-Road Ability.

—Texas Auto Writers Association’s SUV of Texas

—Texas Auto Writers Association’s Full-size SUV of Texas.

—Ruedas ESPN’s Best SUV.