This Week:

• BMW ends speculations about C1 successor
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• Mitsubishi Motors Reveals Name of Soon to Be Launched S.U.V.
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• GM Joins Japanese Fuel Cell Program
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• Quality Puts Chrysler Group Vehicles on Top of Consumer Survey
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• The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën join forces to develop and produce a new family of gasoline engines
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• Toyota and Mexico's Ministry of Environment Announce Agreement for 'Green' Prius Demo Program in Mexico
  .. .
• Honda Introduces The All-New HHT25S LTA Trimmer
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• Ford Motor Company Names Hazel To Head Lincoln Mercury
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• DaimlerChrysler: Significant Improvement in Second Quarter Earnings Despite Difficult Market Conditions
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• The BMW Z3 roadster makes its mark in film and company history
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News of July 24, 2002

Quality Puts Chrysler Group Vehicles on Top of Consumer Survey

Strategic Vision TQI Names Chrysler PT Cruiser Top Compact Car, Dodge Dakota Best Compact Pickup

PT Cruiser

Auburn Hills - Two Chrysler Group products once again rank number one in Strategic Vision's 2002 Total Quality Index™ (TQI). For the second year in a row, the Chrysler PT Cruiser topped the list in the Compact Car category, while consumers voted the Dodge Dakota the best Compact Pickup for the fourth consecutive time.

"Our top ranking demonstrates the Chrysler Group's ability to create vehicles that evoke a positive emotional response, yet still deliver on the quality and reliability side of the equation," said Don Dees, Vice President-Quality, Chrysler Group. "And with our new seven year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, we're backing the appeal of our cars and trucks by the best guarantee in the industry."

TQI measures satisfaction according to the entire experience of buying, owning and driving a new vehicle. "At the core are the values and feelings that drive decision-making," said Dr. Darrel Edwards, President-Strategic Vision.

This year's TQI survey asked 46,900 buyers of 2002 model-year vehicles about the overall quality of their ownership experience, including factors such as vehicle performance and handling. In its eighth year, the 75-question survey was given to buyers 90 days after they purchased their new cars or trucks.

According to the study, the Chrysler PT Cruiser "blows away the competition not only in styling, but also on room and innovation. This truly capable and very individual vehicle strongly delivers on esteem and harmony issues."

"The Chrysler PT Cruiser has always appealed to the emotions of buyers who want to 'personalize' their transportation," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President-Chrysler Brand Marketing. "This latest study shows that the vehicle continues to elicit that same response two years after its launch, a fact we continue to support with an entire lineup of factory-customized PT Cruisers."

To date, Chrysler has announced six factory-customized versions of the PT Cruiser, which include the Flames, Woodie, Dream Cruiser Series 1, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, as well as the PT Cruiser Convertible, which goes on sale in early 2004. With the 2003 PT Turbo production launch currently underway, these vehicles will be arriving in Chrysler dealerships soon.

Dodge Dakota

Photos: DC

In its assessment of the Dodge Dakota, the survey found that Dakota "excels in styling, handling, roadability and room. These attributes and other provide superior levels of freedom and esteem to its buyers."

7/70 Powertrain Warranty Chrysler Group announced its industry-leading seven year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty for Chrysler, Jeep ® and Dodge brand vehicles earlier this month. The warranty, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners at no extra cost, is provided free of charge on all new Chrysler Group vehicles purchased or leased on or after July 9, 2002. Components covered by the "7/70 Powertrain Warranty" include engines, transmissions/transaxles, transfer cases and axles.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Facts

Chrysler PT Cruiser is manufactured at the Chrysler Group's Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. From its launch as a production vehicle in February 2000 through June 2002, 412,913 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold worldwide.

The popular Chrysler PT Cruiser blends American custom car heritage with contemporary styling cues including uniquely proportioned fenders and a solid, wheels-to-the-corners stance. The five-door, segment-busting vehicle boasts the optimum combination of head-turning design, thoughtful features and unmatched versatility. Chrysler PT Cruiser's tall profile helps contribute to commmand-of-the-road seating and flexible interior space, including the ability to reconfigure the seats into more than 30 different positions.

Dodge Dakota Facts

Since the first Dakota drove off the assembly line in 1986, it's been the segment leader in power and capability. Completely redesigned for 1996 and with a Quad Cab model introduced for 2000, Dakota has the greatest selection of engines and the best towing and hauling numbers in the class. It offers work and performance capability that rival even some full-size pickups.

All Dakota models are built at Chrysler Group's "Dodge City" Warren Truck Assembly Plant, in Warren, Mich.

(July 18, 2002)

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