posted 03-04-2002 06:54 PM         

The production version of the two-door, four-seater Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (Cabrio in Europe) will be revealed at a later date and debut in showrooms in early 2004. First revealed at the 2001 New York Auto Show, the Convertible Styling Study was praised for its open-air, free-spirited design.

``We were overwhelmed by the positive consumer and media response when we took the wraps off the original Convertible Styling Study,'' said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and CEO. ``In fact, an Internet poll taken immediately after the unveiling showed that almost 90 percent loved the vehicle and begged us to build it.''

Personalization Comes to the Drop-top Market

The new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will be yet another innovative variation of the Chrysler brand's original segment buster, which began production just two years ago. It joins a running list of specialty versions, such as the Flame vehicles, Woodies, and Dream Cruiser (Street Cruiser in Europe) Series limited editions in North America, as well as a broad range of engine models for the European market.

``Personalization is what the Chrysler PT Cruiser's all about,'' said Tom Marinelli, Vice President-Chrysler/Jeep® Global Brand Center. ``Whether it's a hot rod flames look, a woodgrain surf wagon or an Inca Gold Dream Cruiser, we're giving our customers the opportunity to put a unique signature on their PT Cruiser,'' said Marinelli. ``And now with the PT Cruiser Convertible, we'll give them the chance to add a little bit of sunshine to their personal transportation.''

Segment Buster to Cruise into Convertible Market

``In the United States, we already have 15 percent of the convertible pie with the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will further expand our reach in this part of the market,'' added Marinelli. ``This is uncharted territory in the convertible segment. No one else can offer cool PT Cruiser styling with the utility and flexibility to change from a four-seater to a two-seater with unexpected cargo volume. This is yet another segment buster that we anticipate will do well in the convertible market.''

In Western Europe, the convertible segment has grown in the past four years, with more than 150,000 units sold in 2001. Since it became available in the region, more than 39,000 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold in Western Europe. Within that region, Germany is the market leader, with 10,700 units sold.

``We want to take advantage of this growing market by expanding our Chrysler PT Cruiser family to now offer the PT Cruiser Cabrio,'' said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group.

European dealers currently offer three engine options for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, including a Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.2-liter common rail turbo diesel engine, and will introduce the limited-edition Street Cruiser this summer.