Chrysler Group Products Win 2004 AutoPacific Customer Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

* Chrysler PT Cruiser awarded best in customer vehicle satisfaction in compact sport utility segment * Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Truck named best in customer vehicle satisfaction in the large heavy-duty segment

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 7 -- Two Chrysler Group products have been named segment leaders in the 2004 AutoPacific vehicle customer vehicle satisfaction study. The Chrysler PT Cruiser tops the vehicle satisfaction survey in the compact sport utility segment and the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Truck is the leader among large heavy-duty trucks.

Regarded as an industry benchmark for objectively measuring owner satisfaction, the annual study by AutoPacific establishes numerical satisfaction ratings for virtually every passenger car and truck in the North American market. The results gauge customer satisfaction in 44 specific areas related to a vehicle's operation, comfort, and safety as well as the overall lease/purchase experiences. More than 32,000 individuals who purchased or leased new vehicles in 2003 contributed to the study results.

According to George Peterson, President of AutoPacific, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is recipient of the 2004 Compact Sport Utility Award because of its distinctive retro styling, great color palette, innovative interior, utility and value. "In the Chrysler PT Cruiser, buyers get a vehicle that's fun to look at, fun to drive and fun to own. So no matter how you slice it, PT's unique combination of form, function and fun spell a compact SUV winner," Peterson said.

Originally introduced in 2000 as an all-new vehicle, the Chrysler PT Cruiser has the distinction of having redefined the small car segment. It remains a class-leading, award winning vehicle with its various models, including the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible introduced this year.

As recipient of the 2004 AutoPacific Large Heavy-Duty Truck Vehicle Satisfaction Award, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Truck is recognized for its distinctive styling and engine options. "The diesel has enough muscle, guts and torque to change the curvature of the earth, if not the earth's orbit around the sun," said Peterson.

In addition to the Cummins Diesel, customers may choose the 5.7-liter HEMI(R) to power the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Truck. With its best-in class safety, interior space and handling capabilities, the Dodge Ram also has garnered recognition as Motor Trend Truck of the Year and ranks first among heavy-duty pickups in the J.D. Power 2004 Initial Quality Survey.

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