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Chrysler to Introduces New 230 Horsepower Town & Country Limited


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 19 Make way, minivan fans.  The
company that invented the minivan nearly two decades ago is introducing the
most powerful minivan on the planet, the all-new 230 horsepower 3.5-liter
Chrysler Town & Country Limited.

    "With our 230 horsepower 3.5-liter engine, we're upping the ante in the
horsepower category and offering yet another choice for those in the market
for a new minivan," said Richard O. Schaum, Executive Vice President - Product
Development & Quality, Chrysler Group.  "This is just the latest in a series
of product actions that we plan to take in order to ensure that Chrysler and
Dodge minivans maintain leadership in every single segment within the minivan
market."

    Chrysler Town & Country Limited comes standard with a 215 horsepower 3.8-
liter engine at a base price of $35,840 which includes destination.  The 230
horsepower all-aluminum V6 single overhead cam 3.5-liter engine, the same
engine featured in Chrysler's popular 300M, will be offered as an additional
option.  Pricing will be determined later this month.

    In addition to improved power and slickness from this high-tech
powerplant, the 3.5-liter engine offers improved acceleration with more torque
(250 lb./ft. @ 4000 rpm compared to 245 lb./ft. @ 4000 rpm on the 3.8-liter
engine).

    "Selection is a critical ingredient to our minivan success formula," said
Schaum.  "With Chrysler Voyager and Town & Country, we offer a complete menu
of minivans from the most affordable to the most powerful."

    The all-new 2001 Chrysler Town & Country Limited offers numerous industry
and minivan first features including a power up and down liftgate, removable
power center console, pop-up rear cargo organizer, three zone automatic
temperature control system, split 50/50 Easy-Out(R) Roller seats, power dual
sliding doors allowing for manual override and obstacle detection system for
opening and closing.  Other features offered include side air bags and Rear
Seat Video(R) entertainment systems.

    DaimlerChrysler sells approximately 600,000 Chrysler and Dodge minivans
worldwide every year and is quickly closing in on the sale of its nine
millionth minivan.  Chrysler invented the luxury minivan market segment in
1990 by introducing Town & Country.  Town & Country calendar year sales have
increased 96 percent since 1995 (99,252 in 2000 vs. 50,733 in 1995).

    The all-new 2001 3.5-liter Chrysler Town & Country Limited will be
manufactured in Windsor, Ontario and will arrive in Chrysler dealerships in
March.  Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge
Grand Caravan are manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri and Windsor, Ontario.