Dodge Tour de Georgia Ready to Roll

'Event will feature full line of Dodge vehicles while supporting tourism and cancer research efforts'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 17 -- As title sponsor for the inaugural Dodge Tour de Georgia event, Dodge officials reaffirmed their commitment and support for the six-day annual cycling stage race debuting April 22-27, 2003. In addition to a significant funding commitment, the title sponsorship also represents the contribution of over 80 Dodge passenger, cargo, and light-duty vehicles to support the event and designates Dodge products as the exclusive "Official Event Vehicles of Tour de Georgia."

"In sponsoring the Dodge Tour de Georgia, we have been given an enviable opportunity for ownership of an annual activity that is on the threshold of becoming the premier cycling event in North America," said Darryl Jackson, vice president of Dodge marketing. "Beyond the obvious benefits of showcasing our distinctive product line before a tremendous event audience, it is also extremely satisfying to simultaneously support the invaluable altruistic, humanitarian and well care efforts of the Georgia Cancer Coalition and its statewide fight against cancer."

"This is a historic event for Georgia," Governor Sonny Perdue said. "The race will both showcase Georgia's diverse natural beauty and attractions and serve as a centerpiece for a host of local festivals and events. Dodge Tour de Georgia continues the state's pre-eminence as a destination for champion athletes and their fans. It is an event not to be missed."

"A world-class sporting event deserves a world-class sponsor and we are excited and honored that Dodge, one of the world's most recognizable brands, has become the title sponsor of Tour de Georgia," said Stan Holm, executive director. "This race will not only test the skills and strength of some of the best professional cyclists in the world, it will showcase the beauty of Georgia's landscape. From the coast to the mountains to downtown Atlanta, Dodge Tour de Georgia will display the best the state has to offer."

Patrick W. Dougherty, director of Dodge commercial vehicles added, "In addition to supporting cancer treatment, prevention and care, this event is a mutually beneficial opportunity to not only support the state's economic development, but also showcase some of our exciting products to both a regional and national audience. The event will also serve as a prominent forum to promote and showcase a variety of new products including, but not limited to, our line of new Sprinter Vans."

Dodge Tour de Georgia is the only stage race of this length in the U.S. sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for 2003, and one of only five races in the U.S. on the official UCI calendar. Dodge is sponsoring Tour de Georgia at a time when professional cycling has never been more popular with Americans. The race is expected to draw an estimated 1 million spectators and 50 million television viewers in the U.S., while generating a projected $30 million in economic development for Georgia over five years.

The 2003 Dodge Tour de Georgia will cover more than 600 miles (965 km), going through the host cities of Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, Pine Mountain (Callaway), Rome, Dalton, Gainesville and Atlanta. In addition to being the start and/or finish to each day's stage race, each host city will also be home to a city celebration of events and activities.

Proceeds from Dodge Tour de Georgia will benefit the Georgia Cancer Coalition, a statewide network of people and organizations working together for cancer cure. In addition, the event will serve in creating awareness for Georgia's role in the fight against cancer. Dodge Tour de Georgia is owned and operated by The Georgia Partnership for Economic Development (GPED), a non-profit foundation that does business as "Tour de Georgia."

Additional information and news from Dodge is available on the Internet at www.dodge.com .

For more information about Dodge Tour de Georgia, visit www.tourdegeorgia.com .

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