Chrysler 300M All Washed Up

Car Wash Operators Like Its Aerodynamic Design, Secure Moldings and Easy-to-Clean Ornamentation

LAS VEGAS, April 26 -- When it comes to cars, the shine, polish and sparkle are far more than skin deep, which explains why the nation's car wash operators have tagged the Chrysler 300M as the "Most Washable Car" of 2004.

The annual honor -- an exclusive designation in the car care industry -- is awarded at the Car Care World Expo, held this year in Las Vegas. Its organizing sponsor, the International Carwash Association, recognizes the manufacturer that produces the car design easiest to keep clean via a professional car wash. Automakers have taken the tough car-wash standards to heart when designing future models as they seek to reduce the estimated $24 billion spent annually to prevent corrosion of car exteriors.

The Chrysler 300M was chosen this year after the International Carwash Association's nominating committee selected the top five most washable vehicles and subjected them to a list of squeaky-clean criteria. The judging criteria included:

   -- A car's smooth aerodynamic lines that keep it from retaining dirt
   -- Moldings and ornamentation that do not protrude and are securely
      attached
   -- Bumpers, mirrors and wipers that are securely attached
   -- Retractable side-view mirrors that are robust at the pivot or do not
      retract at all
   -- Radio antennas that are securely attached or hidden in the windshield
      or back-window glass
   -- Ground effects and desk-lid spoilers that are aerodynamic and
      securely attached or do not exist
   -- License-plate attachments that are secure and immune to damage

Besides the 300M, the other finalists were the Chevrolet Impala, Honda Accord, Audi A4-A6, and the Ford Taurus, which emerged as a close second. Past winners of the four-year-old award include the Honda Accord in 2003, the Toyota Camry in 2002 and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo in 2001.

"Our members are the experts at determining vehicle features that make car washing a much more seamless process," says Mark Thorsby, executive director of the International Carwash Association. "The Chrysler 300M is a shining example of a car that will easily look as good as it feels after a professional wash."

The International Carwash Association employs an aggressive program to educate consumers and manufacturers of the benefits of a professional car wash and detail. Among other things, it provides facts, figures, advice and recommendations regarding consumer behavior and car care at its Web site, www.carlove.org .

About www.carlove.org

An online resource educating consumers about the benefits professional car washes and detailing services offer from a financial, emotional and environmental perspective. The site features a Car Wash Wizard that provides a 'prescription' for professional washes according to geographic region, and also presents figures from a study of consumers' feelings about their cars.

About the International Carwash Association

The International Carwash Association (ICA) is a non-profit trade association serving 3,000 businesses in the United States, Canada and overseas. Membership includes car wash operators, equipment manufacturers, distributors, and related suppliers. ICA members represent approximately 25,000 car wash and car care locations in North America.