| -

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In a hands-on approach to promote and generate interest in its vehicles, Jeep is hosting a "Jeep Rocks & Road Tour" across the U.S. where consumers can take any vehicle in the brand's lineup for a spin, including the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler.

The tour will visit air shows, auto shows, fairs and festivals, and drivers can choose to go on an on- or off-road test drive.

As far as the off-road tests, trained instructors will be present to teach drivers how to handle things like steep grades, rocky trails and log crossings.

Interested parties can participate in the program at no cost by pre-registering at www.jeep.com/rocksandroadtour and showing a copy of their confirmation receipt at the respective events. Jeep strongly urged those interested to pre-register.

Continuing on, the events on tour are open to the public. Officials said the various obstacle courses included in the tour are designed to show the Jeep Trail Rated capabilities, which include articulation, ground clearance, maneuverability and traction.

The obstacles reflect the testing that Jeep puts into its models, officials noted.

Jeep is also inviting current owners of the brand's models to visit the Jeep Owner's Playground and see how their own vehicle performs.

There will also be various interactive activities at the tour stops. Among these will be product displays providing more information.

Additionally, the tour will be family-friendly. Kids can have fun with the Power Wheels mini-Jeep models, rock wall climbing and other activities.

The tour begins Friday in Syracuse, N.Y., and runs through the end of October. The dates and locations are as follows:

July 16-18: Syracuse Nationals, Syracuse, N.Y. 

July 23-25: Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest, Columbus, Ohio. 

July 30-Aug. 1: Rockford AirFest 2010, Rockford, Ill. 

Aug. 6-8: Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis. 

Aug. 20-22: Westfield International Air, Boston. 

Aug. 27-29: Offutt Defenders of Liberty Air, Omaha, Neb. 

Sept. 3-5: Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Air, Martinsburg, W. Va. 

Sept. 17-19: Oceana Air Show, Virginia Beach, Va. 

Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Bikes, Blues and BBQ's Festival, Fayetteville, Ark. 

Oct. 8-10:  Metrolina Expo Center, Charlotte, N.C. 

Oct. 29-31: Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, Fort Worth, Texas.