Chrysler Group Leading Industry in Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

  Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee First SUV to Offer Tire Pressure Monitoring System

     Chrysler Group Minivans First to Offer Pressure-based Tire Monitors

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 7 The Chrysler Group will take a
leadership position in tire pressure monitoring with the launch of its 2002
model year line up, becoming the first manufacturer to offer a tire pressure
monitor on a sport utility vehicle and the first to offer pressure-based
monitor on a minivan.
    Both of these systems will be available more than two years before being
federally mandated by the 2000 Transportation Recall Enhancement,
Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act.
    The 2002 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee becomes the first SUV to offer a tire
pressure monitor, while, in another industry first, the Chrysler Group's 2002
Chrysler and Dodge minivans become the first vehicles in their segment to
offer pressure-based tire pressure monitors. Combined with the availability of
pressure-based monitors on the 2002 Chrysler 300M and Concorde Limited sedans,
these efforts place the Chrysler Group in the drivers seat for tire pressure
monitoring systems.
    "We have been studying tire monitoring systems for quite some time and we
feel that we have the right systems for our vehicles today, well in advance of
TREAD," said Bernard Robertson, Senior Vice President-Engineering Technologies
and Regulatory Affairs.  "We will move forward to install tire pressure
monitoring systems on all of our vehicles.
    "A recent survey found that two out of three cars, light trucks and SUVs
have at least one significantly under-inflated tire," Robertson said.  "There
are a lot of people driving in potentially dangerous situations.  By offering
this technology ahead of schedule on a wide variety of our vehicles, we are
helping to remind our customers of the importance of proper tire pressure for
their safety."
    The tire pressure monitors will be available in the 2002 Jeep Grand
Cherokee, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, and the
Chrysler 300M and Concorde Limited.  Chrysler Group vehicles with run-flat
tires will continue to be equipped with pressure-based tire pressure monitors,
as they have been since the tires were introduced in 1997 on the Prowler.
    Unlike tire pressure monitors that are activated by anti-lock braking
systems and measure the rate of a tire's rotation, pressure-based monitors
determine the actual pressure of the tire.  The sensor is attached to the rim
of the wheel, flush against the tire. A radio frequency signal emitted from
the sensor relays the tire's pressure to a central receiver.
    Once a tire becomes significantly under-inflated, a visual and audio
warning is given to the driver.  In the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300M and
Concorde Limited sedans, the system also displays a warning graphic on the
Electronic Vehicle Display and can be checked at any time in these vehicles by
going to the same screen.
    The Chrysler Group reminds consumers to periodically check that all tires
are in good condition and properly inflated.

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