Chrysler Group's Cross-Country Tour - Route 2002: An American Road Trip

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 25 -- Thousands of Twin City area residents will have a chance to take a spin on Chrysler Group's "Route 2002: An American Road Trip" from Thursday, July 11 - Sunday, July 14 at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. Route 2002 is a four-day opportunity for consumers to test-drive some of the automaker's new and most popular Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep® vehicles on specially designed on- and off-road driving courses that demonstrate the vehicles' handling, 4x4 capability and refinement.

Route 2002 brings the thrill and excitement of on- and off-road driving, on specially designed courses, while conveying safety and education messages to consumers in an interactive and entertaining environment. The event is divided into three driving programs: Dodge City, The Chrysler Proving Grounds, and Jeep 101®. Each driving program takes place simultaneously but on separate courses. People can drive six different courses in all, and are encouraged to drive every course in order to best experience the features, performance and handling of all the vehicles.

In addition to putting people in the driver's seat in a safe, educational and entertaining environment, Route 2002 features a number of interactive displays and lifestyle activities for members of the whole family. Attendees can register to win a number of sweepstakes and prizes including a new vehicle lease, trip giveaways, and other consumer products. Route 2002 is free of charge and is open to the public on a pre-registration basis. Interested consumers can call 1-866-ROUTE-02 or can visit any of the three brand websites (www.Chrysler.com , www.Dodge.com or www.Jeep.com ) for registration information (key word: Route 2002). Sessions are scheduled hourly: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday - Friday; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday; and, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday.

Lou Bitonti, Senior Manager, Global Corporate Events, Chrysler Group said, "Route 2002 is an excellent opportunity for consumers to come out and get behind the wheel of a wide variety of vehicles, learn how to become a better driver and have a great time doing it. It's a great weekend family event."

"Route 2002 is an opportunity for people to experience the performance and capabilities firsthand, whether someone is considering purchasing a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep product, is already an owner, or just wants to test drive vehicles they may not normally drive," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Marketing Communications. "Route 2002 is more than a test-drive opportunity. People who walk away from the event will have improved their driving skills and will be more prepared to handle potentially difficult driving situations in the future."

In addition to the driving courses, each of the three areas of Route 2002 will feature specific lifestyle activities, displays and products that align with each vehicle brand. The three driving programs featured on the Route 2002 tour are:

Dodge City, the name of the on- and off-road course for the Dodge brand. Consumers will be able to view the Dodge concept and historical cars in each Route 2002 market and will be able to test-drive the following vehicles: Ram 1500, Durango, Dakota, Intrepid, Neon, Caravan, Stratus Coupe, and Stratus Sedan. Drivers can time their tire-changing skills in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge, have their picture taken with a NASCAR Intrepid and can take a spin on the simulated Winston Cup Race game. The Chrysler Proving Grounds, named after the company's test track in Chelsea, Mich., educates attendees on the rich heritage of the Chrysler brand. The Chrysler Proving course of slalom curves, tar strips, and other obstacles highlight the exceptional performance and agile handling of Chrysler vehicles. This comprehensive test drive course features Chrysler's Sebring Coupe, Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible GTC, 300M Special, PT Cruiser and Town & Country minivan. Additional activities include an adult putting green, a putt-putt course for kids and PT Cruiser photo opportunity, to name a few. Jeep 101, the name of the driving courses for the Grand Cherokee, Liberty, and Wrangler off-road and the Grand Cherokee and Liberty on-road. The Jeep Liberty, one of the Jeep brand's newest models, delivers legendary Jeep off-highway capability with superior on-road ride and handling. Once people have completed the rigorous Jeep 101 driving courses, they can check out the many Jeep activities including a Jeep bike course and rock-climbing wall. Those interested in more information on the Minneapolis/ St. Paul stop of the Route 2002 tour can call 1-866-ROUTE-02. Upcoming cities include: Chicago (August 1-4), Columbus (August 15-18), Cleveland (September 12-15), and Albany (September 26-29).