Press Release

Dodge Announces Sport Truck of the Year Award for Dakota

11/05/96

1997 Dodge Dakota Chosen as Sport Truck Magazine's 'Sport Truck of The Year'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 1 -- The 1997 Dodge Dakota has
been chosen by Sport Truck Magazine for its annual "Sport Truck of The
Year" award. The award is designed to recognize the best new street
truck in the industry, based on a series of tests performed by the
Sport Truck editorial staff. The Dakota Club Cab Sport 4x2, with the
5.2-liter Magnum V8 engine, was picked over such competitors as the
Ford F-150 Flareside, Chevrolet S-10 SS and Toyota Tl00 Xtracab.

"We spent several days comparing trucks over a variety of tests and
conditions, but in the end the decision was easy," said Sport Truck
Editorial Director Drew Hardin. "While Dakota grabs your attention
with its in-your-face bold look, the real treat is how it handles on
the street."

Sport Truck bases its award on five categories; Mechanical,
ride-and-drive, interior, exterior and empirical. This allows the
editors to take everything into consideration when evaluating the
on-road performance of a pickup, including engine performance,
handling, interior ergonomics, appearance and value.

"Sweeping the contest's mechanical and empirical categories, the
Dakota also won high praise for its one-of-a-kind good looks and
innovative styling," said Editor Peter MacGillivray in his article on
the truck. "It represents the final step in Dodge's bold move to
redesign its entire line of trucks. Apparently, the company saved its
boldest moves for now."

In the article, Sport Truck recognized Dakota for its best-in-class
trailer-towing capacity, payload, cab size, box size, engine power and
performance and tightest turning circle.

"This award indicates the Sport Truck editors have a true appreciation
for some of Dakota's 'fun' characteristics, namely its engine power,
on-road ride-and-handling and looks," said Dodge General Manager Ray
Fisher. "When you consider how much on-road driving the typical Dakota
owner does, this means a lot to us."