posted 06-07-2001 11:06 AM         

June 7, 2001

DaimlerChrysler Communications
CIMS 485-06-48
1000 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766 (USA)

Chrysler PT Cruiser Heats Things Up in 2002

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- The hottest vehicle on the planet just got hotter, thanks to new flame accents available for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

As a new factory option, customers can order their 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser with subtle tone-on-tone flames rippling over the hood and front fenders.

"The PT Cruiser has been enthusiastically received in the custom car community," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep® Division Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "The optional flames are a great way to extend that excitement to our entire PT Cruiser customer base. The PT Cruiser is rejuvenating America's love affair with the automobile. For those who love customized cars, this is a great way to rekindle that spirit. There's an entire customer base that has never personalized a vehicle and this is a fun way to start."

Coordinating flames are available in four exterior color choices: fading orange-to-red flames are available for Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat PT Cruisers; fading blue to
cranberry flames go with Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat vehicles; dark silver fades in to Bright Silver for Bright Silver Metallic vehicles; and Black PT Cruisers offer fading deep magenta to black flames highlighted with a blue border.

2
"No other carmaker is bold enough to offer such an option," Marinelli said. "And on no other vehicle would it be so appropriate. That's what makes PT Cruiser so special."

The vinyl flames are applied after vehicles exit the paint shop at Chrysler's Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico, and are covered under Chrysler's three-year/36,000-mile warranty.

"We've been pleasantly surprised by the unprecedented demand for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and will increase output at Toluca by 80,000 units in the fall of 2002," said Larry Lyons, Vice President - Small Car Platform Engineering. "The unique, emotional design grabs people's attention, but when they experience the unmatched versatility, thoughtful features and solid handling, the initial desire turns into a 'gotta have it' need."

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the flame accents is $495. The option is available on all PT Cruiser models in Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Inferno
Red Tinted Pearl Coat and Deep Cranberry Tinted Pearl Coat.
- ### -

posted 06-07-2001 09:23 PM         

------------------

Steve Clark

posted 06-07-2001 09:24 PM         

------------------

Steve Clark