Chrysler Group Boosts Warranty on Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 21 -- DaimlerChrysler today announced a major enhancement to its Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program (CPOV) by adding a three-month/3,000-mile Maximum Care(R) Limited Warranty to all CPOV vehicles carrying the seven-year/70,000-mile transferable new vehicle warranty (2003 models and beyond) in addition to the eight/80 Powertrain Limited Warranty currently offered. CPOV vehicles are offered exclusively through Five Star dealers, the company's premier dealerships.

"The 'Factory Certified' segment is booming. For the fourth year in a row, the segment is on track to double in size," said Ray Fisher, Vice President, Fleet and Remarketing. "This additional warranty reflects the confidence we have in our product quality and gives our customers even more assurance when making their purchase decision."

Certified Chrysler Group vehicles sold between 1998 and 2002 with the three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty will still receive an eight- year/80,000-mile fully transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty.

DaimlerChrysler is supporting this initiative with a new national print advertising campaign, utilizing the current "Brand Spankin' Used" themeline. The ads will appear in 21 national consumer publications including Time, Newsweek, People and Parents from July through October.

In 2002, DaimlerChrysler's CPOV program was rated the best domestic CPOV program in the United States and second overall in the non-luxury segment by IntelliChoice.

"CPOV is an integral piece of our overall strategy to increase the reliability, reputation and ultimately the residual value of our products," said Fisher. "CPOV serves as an entry level bridge to bring new customers to our brands and gives them the opportunity to stay within the Chrysler Group family for the long-term."