Chrysler Group Launches Jeep(R) 101 Cross-Country Weekend Driving Adventure

Jeep(R) brand kicks off nationwide tour; 13 scheduled stops include eight military bases

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 19 -- Thousands of consumers will have the opportunity for a first-hand Jeep(R) brand experience with the entire line of Jeep vehicles during this year's Jeep 101 tour. The traveling, two- day event will visit 13 locations around the country and will offer event- goers the opportunity to put Jeep vehicles through a series of capability tests on specially designed on- and off-road courses. The Jeep 101 events also will offer a variety of other activities and opportunities to win prizes, including a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

The national tour begins at the U.S. Army's Fort Dix in Wrightstown, NJ, on May 8-9. It will visit eight military bases and five general-public venues, winding up in Tampa, Fla., in November. Each two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) event is free of charge.

Along with being among the first to drive the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited -- the go anywhere, bring everything, larger version of the Jeep Wrangler -- guests will have the chance to experience the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler models. To demonstrate further the Jeep brand's superior on-and off-road capabilities, competitive vehicles also will be available for test drives.

"The Jeep brand continues to be the only American brand dedicated solely to the sport-utility market," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Jeep, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Jeep has been helping people to expand their boundaries and life experiences for more than 60 years."

"When it comes to sharing the experience of legendary Jeep 4X4 capability with consumers, Jeep has done it through Camp Jeep, Jeep Jamborees, music, gaming and many other award-winning initiatives. It's a heroic brand with a rich heritage -- just like the men and women serving in the United States Armed Services," Bell added.

The unique Jeep 101 courses let consumers experience a variety of driving conditions, both on- and off-road. The street course offers everyday driving tips including safe acceleration, steering and braking techniques on a variety of surfaces. The off-road course helps guests learn to navigate off-road challenges such as steep grades, rocky trails and log crossings under the guidance of a trained driving instructor. Each driving program conveys safety and educational messages in a fun, interactive environment.

The lifestyle side of Jeep 101 features a number of interactive displays and activities, including a mountain bike course, Jeep brand video games, informative product displays, historical vehicles and a special "Jeep Kidz" area where future Jeepers can drive "Power Wheels" mini-Jeep vehicles. New partner SoBe Beverages will also bring the SoBe Love Bus on site, with giveaways of SoBe beverages, interactive games and chances to win other prizes.

In honor of the Jeep brand's heritage with the armed services, the historical display will highlight Jeep's rich military history. This will include a number of vintage Jeep military vehicles dating back to the 1942 vehicle used during World War II. The special displays will help members of the armed services connect with Jeep's origins as a primary transportation vehicle for military personnel. Exclusive to the military venues, guests will be able to register to win a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

  Jeep 101 will visit the following locations in 2004:
  -- Fort Dix, N.J. (U.S. Army), May 8-9 (military only)
  -- Albany, N.Y., May 22-23 (open to the public)
  -- Ft. Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Army), June 5-6 (open to the public)
  -- Norfolk Naval Base, Va., June 19-20 (open to the public)
  -- Ft. Campbell, Ky. (U.S., Army), June 26-27 (open to the public)
  -- Detroit, Mich., August 7-8 (open to the public)
  -- Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., September 11-12 (military only)
  -- Fort Lewis, Wash. (U.S. Army), September 18-19 (open to the public)
  -- Fort Carson, Colo. (U.S., Army), October 2-3 (military only)
  -- Chicago, Ill., October 16-17 (open to the public)
  -- Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, October 30-31 (military only)
  -- Dallas, Texas, November 6-7 (open to the public)
  -- Tampa, Fla., November 20-21 (open to the public)

Hours for the Jeep 101 event will be 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Drivers who wish to participate in the ride-and-drive activities must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver's license.

Jeep 101 is one of several owner-loyalty programs created by the Jeep division of Chrysler Group. Jeep Jamborees, which began in the 1950s, are the original off-highway vacation. The success of Jeep Jamborees spawned Camp Jeep, an annual outdoor lifestyle vacation experience launched ten years ago. The enthusiastic response to Camp Jeep led to the spin-off of Jeep 101.

For more details and registration information call 1-800-789-JEEP or visit www.jeep.com .

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