Chrysler Group Certified Pre-owned Vehicles Appeal to Budget Conscious Consumers

AUBURN HILLS, MI - April 18, 2006: The purchase of a vehicle is a significant investment on any budget. So, it is important for consumers to find a dependable car at the right price. Certified pre-owned dealerships offer value-added vehicles with features such as enhanced warranties and Vehicle History Reports. These factors have increased customer traffic and used-vehicle sales at dealerships in recent months.

Chrysler Group Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) sales set an all-time monthly sales record with a 14 percent increase in March, and sales rose 7 percent for the quarter, which was also a record. Industry-wide, pre-owned vehicle sales surpassed 150,000 units in March 2006.

The program appeals to buyers on many levels since these certified used-vehicles withstand a rigorous 125 point inspection to ensure the Chrysler, Jeep (R) or Dodge product is brought up to "new-vehicle" standards. In addition, 43 percent of consumers who buy a CPOV plan to return to the dealership of purchase for routine maintenance, which is nearly twice the non-CPOV buyer average.

What sets a CPOV apart from the rest?

"The right combination of value, price and the high vehicle inspection standards our CPOV dealers adhere to, allows consumers to feel confident in purchasing a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge CPOV product," said Ray Fisher, Vice President - Sales, Service and Parts Operations, Chrysler Group. "Also, the hard work and effort provided by our Five Star dealers is the main reason for the rise in repeat business and the continued success of the CPOV program."

Chrysler Group offers one of the most comprehensive Certified Pre-owned Vehicle programs in the industry. For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used vehicle program, it must be a 2001 through 2006 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a stringent 125 point inspection. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an 8-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 3-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care(TM) warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance and a $35 per day rental car allowance, in addition to a CARFAX Vehicle History Report(TM) and Buyback Guarantee.

Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used(TM)," Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships which have earned the automaker's Five Star Certification. Five Star Certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation as well as customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,400 Chrysler Group dealerships in the U.S. are certified Five Star dealers.