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Chrysler Group Presents 2001 Design Excellence And Application Excellence Awards at SEMA

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1 -- The Chrysler Group today announced the winners of the 2001 Design Excellence Awards and Application Excellence Awards at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

``Through the Design Excellence and Application Excellence Awards we recognize the outstanding innovation, creativity and craftsmanship of SEMA members and their contribution to a growing specialty market that is now more than $24 billion strong,'' said Dennis Myles, Senior Design Manager, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. ``These awards are a reflection of the growing relationship we've developed with the specialty equipment manufacturers.''

The Chrysler Group's Design Excellence Awards are presented to companies that express innovation, superior design and brand focus in developing aftermarket vehicle lifestyle packages for Chrysler, Dodge, Dodge Truck and Jeep® vehicles. The 2001 Design Excellence Awards recipients and vehicles are:

  • Chrysler Brand Statement: Dacoma PT/10 Lifestyle Vehicle
  • Dodge Brand Statement: Kamanari Neon Compact Performance Vehicle
  • Dodge Truck Brand Statement: So-Cal Speed Shop Dodge Ram
  • Jeep Brand Statement: Performance West Liberty Patriot

In addition, the Application Excellence Awards are presented to companies that showcase outstanding design innovation and advanced process application management in developing aftermarket parts for current Chrysler, Dodge, Dodge Truck and Jeep vehicles. This year's Application Excellence Awards recipients are: 

    *  Chrysler Brand Application:  Pteazer, Performance Hood Application on
       PT Cruiser
    *  Dodge Brand Application:  Kamanari, Performance Hood Application on
       Neon
    *  Dodge Truck Brand Application:  AMP Research, Retractable Step Assist
    *  Jeep Brand Application:  Maggiolina, Roof Mounted Tent Structure

The Chrysler Group's Design Excellence Awards winners are evaluated based on design achievement, craftsmanship, market significance, technical execution, attention to detail and overall lifestyle focus and relevance. Winners of the Application Excellence Awards were evaluated based on design achievement, overall quality, technical execution, attention to detail and conceptual relevance.

This year's entries for both the Design Excellence Awards and Application Excellence Awards were judged by the Chrysler Group's Image Team, consisting of four cross-functional teams representing Engineering, Design, Product Planning and Marketing, headed by Myles.