Press Release

Chrysler Announces Popular Science Awards for Plymouth Prowler and Dodge Dakota

11/15/96

Plymouth Prowler, Dodge Dakota Win Popular Science Magazine's "Best of
What's New" for 1996

NEW YORK, Nov. 12 -- What does the coolest car --
Plymouth Prowler -- and the hottest pickup truck -- Dodge Dakota --
have in common? They're both from Chrysler Corporation , and
they've both been named winners of Popular Science magazine's "Best of
What's New" for 1996.

The Plymouth Prowler is Chrysler's outrageously styled, high-tech,
two-seat roadster that goes into production next year at Chrysler's
Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

The first all-new Dodge Dakota since its 1987 introduction went on
sale in September as a 1997 model.  It bears a strong family
resemblance to the boldly styled full-sized Ram pickup truck, which
has been setting sales records since its introduction three years ago.

"We're thrilled that Popular Science has recognized the importance of
the Plymouth Prowler for both Chrysler and the entire auto industry,"
said Craig R. Love, Team Prowler's Executive Engineer. "Prowler is far
more than skin-deep. While it pays tribute to the purely American
hot-rod genre, it also represents major advancements for Chrysler in
new materials and technology."

"In the development of the '97 Dodge Dakota, we set out to take the
best from the previous version -- best-in-class power, payload, towing
and interior room -- and blend it with the bold, in-your-face looks of
the Dodge Ram," said Rich Schaum, General Manager, Truck Engineering,
for Chrysler.

Aluminum Intensive

"The all-aluminum structure of the Plymouth Prowler is a remarkable
rolling test-bed of new technologies," said Cecilia Wessner, Executive
Editor of Popular Science Magazine. "This is one unique car you never
thought you could own."

Aluminum, for instance, accounts for almost a third of Prowler's
overall weight, and is used for the chassis, body tub, hood, decklid,
doors, seat frames and suspension. A single magnesium instrument panel
support replaces more than 20 stamped steel pieces on a typical
automobile. Aluminum and magnesium offer lighter weight and increased
strength when compared to conventional materials such as steel.

"The Plymouth Prowler is more than technology -- it's technology
dressed with passion," added Love.

Scheduled to go on sale in mid-1997 with a projected sticker price in
the mid-$30,000 range, the Plymouth Prowler marks another
"concept-to-reality" success story for Chrysler. Conceived at
Chrysler's Pacifica Advanced Product Design Center in California, the
Prowler was first shown as a concept car in early 1993.  About 3,000
of the purple-only roadsters will be produced in the first year, with
output rising after that.  Chrysler's Plymouth brand and its dealers
already have received more than 100,000 inquiries about the Plymouth
Prowler via telephone calls, letters, replay cards and Internet
activity on the Plymouth web site.

Truck-Tough, Car Quiet

The all-new Dodge Dakota also is Michigan-made, produced at Chrysler's
Dodge City/Warren Truck Assembly plant just north of Detroit. Popular
Science magazine's Wessner applauded the Dakota's combination of
truck-like toughness and car-like smoothness.

"The 1997 Dodge Dakota has a smooth ride, great handling and lots of
style," she said. "In fact, the ride and handling approximate many
compact sedans and exceed most pickups."

"We focused on getting the basics right, starting with a new rigid
frame and improved suspension," said Schaum. "We also boosted our
best-in-class V8 engine to 230 horsepower. Those elements combined to
give us tremendous handling, ride and performance. The final result is
a truck that's as capable as it is stylish. We believe we've set a new
benchmark for the compact pickup market."

Recipients of Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New" Awards
were honored at a luncheon ceremony today in New York City.