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Chrysler Sebring Sedan & PT Cruiser Are Named AAA 'TOP CARS' for 2001

21 December 2000

       

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - It's the holiday season and two all-new Chrysler brand
vehicles are placed at the top of the shopping list by automotive experts.  
The all-new Chrysler Sebring sedan and Chrysler PT Cruiser are among the top 13 
vehicles selected by AAA as the "TOP CARS" to buy for the 2001 model year.

    The all-new Chrysler Sebring sedan and Chrysler PT Cruiser are joined by
the Dodge Grand Caravan as the best minivan, giving DaimlerChrysler three AAA
Top Car Awards for 2001 model year.

    "It's great to have two Chrysler brand vehicles receive Top Car Awards
from the respected AAA automotive experts," said Tom Marinelli, Vice
President, Chrysler/Jeep(R) Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
"We have the newest showroom in the industry and we're giving customers a new
level of performance, safety, quality and quietness, all wrapped in
distinctive designs that will outshine the competition."

    The AAA automotive experts rated 12 vehicles as best in their price
category and, again this year, named a "Cool Car" because of its unique
characteristics.

    Experts chose the recently introduced 2001 Chrysler Sebring sedan as the
top car in the $15,000-$20,000 price category based on its best combination of
performance, design, quality and value.  The AAA experts liked the remarkably
quiet cabin, the new V-6 engine, eye-catching design, comfortable ride and
roomy interior, all wrapped in a luxurious package at a great price.

    It's only fitting that the "too cool to categorize" Chrysler PT Cruiser is
named as the "Cool Car" for its unclassifiable appeal.  The editors choose the
Cool Car based on its undeniable allure and unique characteristics.  AAA
experts like the impressive stability of the thoroughly up-to-date PT Cruiser
platform and stand-out design.

    "Determining which vehicles deserve the AAA Top Car Award is as difficult
as the choices many consumers make when shopping for a new car," said David
Van Sickle, Editor, AAA New Car & Truck Buying Guide.  "In the end, our
selections hinge on which vehicles offer the best combination of performance,
design, quality and value."

    To choose the TOP CARS, AAA experts test-drive cars, trucks and minivans
in everyday driving conditions and on a closed track.  They time acceleration,
measure braking distance, calculate cargo capacity and learn how each vehicle
performs on city streets, rural roads and the open highway.  They rate each
vehicle in 20 categories, covering passenger environment, over-the-road
performance, workmanship and value.  When the scores are added up and the cars
are assigned to price classes according to manufacturer's suggested retail
price of the base model tested, the top cars for the year emerge.