DaimlerChrysler Statement in Response to J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) 2004

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 28 -- The following is a DaimlerChrysler statement in response to J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) 2004:

Chrysler Group's 11-percent improvement in the latest J.D. Power IQS results marks our 14th consecutive year of quality improvement -- a claim that cannot be made by any other manufacturer and is further proof that our quality initiatives are being validated. Dramatic improvement in such areas as Chrysler and Dodge brand (each 12 percent), Jeep Wrangler (30 percent) and our minivans (17 percent for Chrysler and 12 percent for Dodge) are significant.

Our product launch discipline remains a strength at Chrysler Group with another improvement over last year (nearly 3-percent) improvement on new product launches (i.e., manufacturers traditionally experience a decline in quality on new launches). In addition, we can be proud of winning two Best- in-Class awards with the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Stratus coupe.