Sales of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica Starting to Surge as Customers Get to Know the All-New Vehicle

September Sales Were the Highest for the Year So Far, 7,589 Units - Suburban Detroit Dealership Led the Nation in Pacifica Sales in September - Pacifica Monthly Sales Have Increased Every Month Since March

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 20, 2003; It's no surprise to Paul Steel that the Chrysler Pacifica achieved a year-to-date monthly sales record of 7,589 units in September, or that last month was the sixth time this year that sales of the all-new vehicle were higher than sales of the previous month. Steel is the general manager of Southfield Chrysler Jeep in Southfield, Mich. In September, the suburban Detroit dealership sold more Pacificas -- 90 -- than any other Chrysler Group dealer in the country.

The success at Southfield Chrysler Jeep continues a steady up-tick in Pacifica sales nationwide:

Sales have increased 1,277 percent since March (551) units compared to September (7,589 units). In the same March to September period, month-over-month sales have increased every month. Beginning in June, and for every month thereafter through September, Pacifica sales surpassed those of four of its main competitors: the Acura MDX, Buick Rendezvous, Nissan Murano and Volvo XC90. September was the first time Pacifica sales surpassed those competitive vehicles, plus the Lexus RX300. "Customers say the Chrysler Pacifica is beautiful," said Steel. "The key is this: They've got to drive the vehicle." When that happens, he said, customers are more likely to purchase a Pacifica.

"We're seeing more import owners whose expectations for a vehicle are very high," said Steel. "We can meet or exceed those expectations with the Chrysler Pacifica."

Steel and the staff at Southfield Chrysler Jeep are using good old- fashioned hard work to get the word out on Pacifica.

"We have polished up our training so that our sales staff is better equipped to talk about the Pacifica," he said. "Also, when customers bring a vehicle in for service, we encourage them to test drive the Chrysler Pacifica," he said.

Back in September, Rhonda Roberts of Detroit wasn't even in the market for a new vehicle. She was looking forward to making the last payment on her car this month. Things changed, however, after her brother bought a Chrysler Pacifica. She was smitten.

"I love it," said Roberts about the new Chrysler Pacifica she purchased at Southfield Chrysler Jeep. "Whoever designed it thought of everything."

"It's like driving a car, not like a van, and yet I have plenty of room for storage. My three children are not bumping into each other. The oldest girl, Keri, 16, rides in the front, my 10-year-old son Kordale, sits in the middle, and Kourtnei, 14, rides in the third row."

Mrs. Roberts is a first-time Chrysler owner. She raves about the Chrysler Pacifica's digital surround sound system, the smooth ride, and its good looks. "I get lots of compliments on my Pacifica," she said. Perhaps her favorite feature is the Pacifica's power liftgate. "I love it because it's so convenient when you have groceries."

Similar to Chrysler Corporation's first minivan in 1983 and the innovative Chrysler PT Cruiser in 2001, Chrysler has again created an entirely new segment with the Pacifica. With segment-busting packaging, including step- across entry and exit, first-class seating, three rows of seats for up to six passengers, and fold-flat second- and third-row seats, among many others, Chrysler Pacifica sets a new standard in premium automotive transportation called "sports tourer."