Sebring Convertible Reigns Supreme in U.S. Convertible Market

King of the 'Open' Road Gets Two New Stable Mates This Spring

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 23 -- The Chrysler Group continues to dominate the convertible market, as the Chrysler Sebring Convertible retains its best-selling title in the U.S. market for the 2003 calendar year, according to automotive research company R.L. Polk & Co. With two new drop-tops arriving in Chrysler dealerships this spring, the automaker is pressing ahead with plans to maintain its dominance in the convertible segment.

"The Chrysler Sebring Convertible dominates the convertible segment for good reason," said Jeff Bell, Vice President--Chrysler. "It is simply the most stylish and elegant convertible on the road, period. And Chrysler is the only brand that can boast of convertibles that comfortably sit four adults, while still offering the premium amenities the convertible shopper is looking for."

In addition to the segment-leading Chrysler Sebring Convertible, the Chrysler Group is also offering the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster just in time for warm-weather spring driving.

"With the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster joining the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, the sky's the limit on the Chrysler brand's command of the domestic convertible market," Bell added. "We look to a very sunny future with our convertible portfolio."

The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is arriving in dealerships now, with a starting Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,995, including destination charges. In addition to its one-of-a-kind retro PT Cruiser styling, the PT Cruiser Convertible boasts a power convertible soft top, 10 inches more rear-legroom than its competitors, storage space large enough to fit two golf bags, two available turbo engine options on the Touring and GT models, and an exceptionally quiet ride.

Chrysler Crossfire Roadster will be offered with two transmission options, a standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic with Auto Stick(R). Standard premium amenities include a power convertible fabric top, full power hard tonneau, heated glass back light, power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control and Chrysler's 7/70 powertrain limited warranty. The MSRP for the six-speed manual Crossfire Roadster is $34,960, which includes $875 for destination.

Chrysler is further expanding its Crossfire lineup to include Crossfire coupe with an MSRP of $29,920, which includes $875 for destination. The entry-level coupe is a six-speed manual with standard features including power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, ESP, all-speed traction control and Chrysler's 7/70 powertrain limited warranty.

Almost 300,000 convertibles were registered in 2003. Volume in the luxury specialty segment increased almost 50 percent in the last four years, and the standard luxury segment was up more than 40 percent, showing potential growth on several levels within the market. R.L. Polk & Co. says there are several new convertibles that will be coming onto the market this year that will create interest. These new convertibles will draw from the entire convertible segment, in addition to appealing to those who may not have considered a convertible before.

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has been the best-selling convertible in the U.S. market for six of the last eight years.