Jeep(R) Brand to Award a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon To the 'Most Outstanding Athlete' of Winter X Games VII

    *  More Than 40,000 Spectators Expected to Attend
    *  Top Athletes to Sign Autographs in Jeep Lodge

    ASPEN, Colo., Jan. 30 -- The Jeep(R) brand will
award a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to the Most Outstanding Athlete of the
Winter X Games VII, being held January 30 - February 2 in Aspen, Colo.  Jeep
is one of the sponsors of this year's event, at which more than 250 athletes
compete for medals and more than $500,000 in prize money.
    "Action sports are exploding in their popularity, not only with young
people but with all sport enthusiasts," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Jeep
Division, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.  "Just like the Winter X Games, Jeep is
all about freedom and adventure."
    In addition to awarding a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep brand will
host a lodge at the base of Buttermilk Mountain where athletes Kelly Clark and
Ross Powers will sign autographs.  Clark will be available February 1-2 from
11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Powers the same days from 1-3 p.m.
    The Winter X Games is considered to be the premier winter action sports
event in the world, and will be telecast January 30 - February 4 on ESPN,
ESPN2 and ABC Sports in 10 languages to 145 countries and territories reaching
more than 110 million homes around the world.
    "These games are just like Jeep -- they have a go-anywhere, do-anything
attitude," Bell said.  "Action sports involve creativity and self expression,
customizing equipment and developing ways to challenge convention.  Jeep
vehicles do the same thing.  They help people to enjoy the challenges and
inspiration presented by nature.  Jeep owners are driven by their vehicle's
capability, maneuverability and individuality."
    This year is the Jeep brand's second year as a sponsor of the Winter X
Games.  The brand is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of its own ski and
snowboard series, Jeep King of the Mountain Series.