Popular Mechanics Design and Engineering Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 27 -- Popular Mechanics presented DaimlerChrysler Corporation with a Design & Engineering Award recognizing excellence in engineering, design and innovation for the all-new 2002 Jeep® Liberty. The Design & Engineering Award is the highest honor the magazine can bestow.

``Our Popular Mechanics Design & Engineering Award winners rank among the greatest innovators of the year, and their winning entries are proof,'' said Joe Oldham, Editor-In-Chief, Popular Mechanics. ``The all-new Jeep Liberty's unique four-wheel drive system makes this vehicle a true Jeep with legendary 4x4 capability for off-road driving and refined on-road handling, which makes it stand apart from the less capable sport-utility vehicles.''

The Jeep Liberty features an all-new coil spring independent front suspension combined with link-coil rear suspension to provide legendary Jeep off-road capability and a new level of on-road ride and handling. It is the first Jeep vehicle to offer rack and pinion steering, which is tuned to give the driver precise control and positive feedback on-road, with enhanced durability for off-road use. The Jeep Liberty also features a patented single-action swing gate/flipper glass system unlike anything on the market today.

``We're thrilled that Popular Mechanics recognizes the innovative engineering of the Jeep Liberty with the 2002 Design and Engineering Award,'' said Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. ``The Jeep Liberty has been a huge success since it went on sale in the spring, selling as fast as we can build them, while attracting a younger buyer to the Jeep brand.''

The Design & Engineering Awards honor innovation, invention, design and engineering in the five fields covered editorially: automotive, technology, home improvement, outdoors and science. The Jeep Liberty is among 17 winners featured in the December issue of Popular Mechanics magazine.