Chrysler PT Cruiser Heats Things Up in 2002

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 7 The hottest vehicle on the
planet just got hotter, thanks to new flame accents available for the 2002
Chrysler PT Cruiser.
    As a new factory option, customers can order their 2002 Chrysler PT
Cruiser with subtle tone-on-tone flames rippling over the hood and front
fenders.
    "The PT Cruiser has been enthusiastically received in the custom car
community," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep(R) Division
Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.  "The optional flames are a
great way to extend that excitement to our entire PT Cruiser customer base.
The PT Cruiser is rejuvenating America's love affair with the automobile.  For
those who love customized cars, this is a great way to rekindle that spirit.
There's an entire customer base that has never personalized a vehicle and this
is a fun way to start."
    Coordinating flames are available in four exterior color choices: fading
orange-to-red flames are available for Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat PT
Cruisers; fading blue to cranberry flames go with Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat
vehicles; dark silver fades in to Bright Silver for Bright Silver Metallic
vehicles; and Black PT Cruisers offer fading deep magenta to black flames
highlighted with a blue border.
    "No other carmaker is bold enough to offer such an option," Marinelli
said.  "And on no other vehicle would it be so appropriate.  That's what makes
PT Cruiser so special."
    The vinyl flames are applied after vehicles exit the paint shop at
Chrysler's Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico, and are covered under
Chrysler's three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
    "We've been pleasantly surprised by the unprecedented demand for the
Chrysler PT Cruiser, and will increase output at Toluca by 80,000 units in the
fall of 2002," said Larry Lyons, Vice President - Small Car Platform
Engineering.  "The unique, emotional design grabs people's attention, but when
they experience the unmatched versatility, thoughtful features and solid
handling, the initial desire turns into a 'gotta have it' need."
    The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the flame accents is
$495.  The option is available on all PT Cruiser models in Black, Bright
Silver Metallic, Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat and Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat.