Mag: Hispanics Pick PT Cruiser

MIAMI--The PT Cruiser has been named 2001 “Car of the Year” by AutoMundo Magazine, the No. 1 Spanish-language automotive magazine in the United States.

“The Chrysler PT Cruiser combines design, functionality, and price to create the perfect equation for success,” said AutoMundo writer Ernesto Lanata.

“The PT Cruiser turns heads with its retro-modern design,” said Lanata, “but once drivers take it for a spin, they quickly will realize that it offers more flexibility, safety features and a smoother ride for the price than all other vehicles.”

AutoMundo tested seven domestic 2001 model year vehicles for this year’s competition. Each vehicle was evaluated for creativity, design, personality, functionality, flexibility, acceptance and price.

“We took a design risk with the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but the emotional response from the public has proven that we were on target,” said Tom Marinelli, vice president at the Chrysler/Jeep Division’s Global Brand Center. “With the U.S. Hispanic market growing so rapidly, we are particularly pleased that such a respected Spanish-language automotive publication as AutoMundo recognizes the PT Cruiser’s value and attraction.”

The PT Cruiser has reinforced Chrysler’s upscale, cutting-edge brand image, creating unprecedented product demand, Marinelli observed. To support demand for the PT Cruiser, a second production site goes on-line next summer, bringing annual capacity up to about 230,000 cars.