Hang Ten - Ron Jon PT Cruiser Hits the Beach in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla., April 5 -- Floridians can catch a wave from behind the wheel in the new Special Edition Ron Jon PT Cruiser. Building on the recent announcements of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and PT Turbo models, Chrysler's Orlando Business Center has partnered with Ron Jon's Surf Shop to create a co-branded, Special Edition Ron Jon PT Cruiser for the Florida market.

``Introducing the Special Edition Ron Jon PT Cruiser in conjunction with spring break is perfect timing,'' said Phil Licina, Director-DaimlerChrysler Southeast Business Center. ``What better opportunity to cruise the strip in a cool new beach ready PT Cruiser?''

The Special Edition Ron Jon PT Cruiser package features several Mopar accessories and unique Ron Jon Surf Shop graphics, including special decals, a chrome-tipped exhaust, 15-inch 16-spoke polished chrome wheels, ground effects, fog lamps and a rear spoiler. A beach backpack also is included, filled with Ron Jon and Chrysler PT Cruiser merchandise like a beach blanket, towel, license plate bracket, bumper stickers, fleece jacket, T-shirt and key chain. All items are co-branded with the Ron Jon and Chrysler PT Cruiser logos.

Only 1,000 Special Edition Ron Jon PT Cruisers will be sold. Available exclusively at Florida Chrysler dealers, the vehicle will sell for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,995.

The Ron Jon/Chrysler PT Cruiser connection began when the first Chrysler PT Cruisers were launched in 2000, with the surf shop purchasing several PT Cruisers as giveaways and display models.

``Ron Jon views the PT Cruiser as a reincarnation of the surfing lifestyle, which molds perfectly with our brand goal of targeting more youthful owners, making this partnership such a natural fit,'' said Licina. ``With this unique, local PT Cruiser version, we continue to expand the vehicle's range and satisfy even more customers.''

The Ron Jon brand appeals to a wider demographic than just surfers; it extends to the beyond the water to include all beach activities. The brand is recognized worldwide for its breadth of active lifestyle apparel, board-sport equipment and diving apparatus. The Ron Jon store in Cocoa Beach, Florida, attracts more than two million visitors a year.

From its launch as a production vehicle in February 2000 through February 2002, Chrysler has sold more than 340,000 PT Cruisers worldwide. The Chrysler Group has announced five variations of the PT Cruiser for North American markets, including the Flame, Woodie and Dream Cruiser Series 1 models, as well as the 2004 PT Cruiser Convertible and the 2003 PT Turbo.