Chrysler Group 'Cleans Up' Around the World with 2005 Product Awards

* International Carwash Association names Chrysler 300C * Chrysler 300 -- The most awarded new car ever(1) * Twenty additional Chrysler Group products receive awards

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 7 -- As the International Carwash Association's (ICA) Most Washable Car 2005, the Chrysler 300 has earned the 122nd award bestowed on a 2005 Chrysler Group vehicle.

"It's one thing to perform well in enthusiast magazine and newspaper tests against new vehicles from our competitors, but it's quite another to lead the pack under the hot water jets, soapy suds and gale-force winds of car wash blowers," said Jason Vines, Vice President-Chrysler Group Communications. "It's an honor that squeaks for itself."

A few of the other organizations and publications awarding top honors to the 2005 Chrysler 300 include Automobile Magazine, AutoWeek, Car and Driver, Edmunds.com, JD Power APEAL, Money Magazine and Motor Trend. The car also was honored with the prestigious "North American Car of the Year" award, selected by 50 journalists representing publications throughout North America.

"The Chrysler 300 not only marks the return of the great American sedan, but also the return of a great American brand," said Vines. "We are honored that not only those who cover our industry, but also now those who 'uncover' our products (sometimes for as little as a couple bucks for a regular wash) are recognizing our employees' dedication to creating the hottest (and now the cleanest) vehicles in the biz."

The Chrysler 300 earned 42 of the 122 2005 global awards Chrysler Group has received to date.

  Other vehicles garnering recognition included:
  Chrysler Crossfire
  Chrysler Firepower
  Chrysler Pacifica
  Chrysler PT Convertible
  Chrysler PT Cruiser
  Chrysler Town & Country
  Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
  Dodge Durango
  Dodge Magnum
  Dodge Power Wagon
  Dodge Ram SRT10
  Dodge Ram SRT10 Quad Cab
  Dodge Sprinter
  Dodge SRT4
  Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee
  Jeep Hurricane
  Jeep Liberty
  Jeep Liberty Diesel
  Jeep Wrangler
  Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

In addition, Chrysler Group won awards for the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine with Multi-Displacement System (MDS), the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 crate motor available from Mopar(R) and the Stow 'n Go(TM) seating and storage system technology featured on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Together with award-winning vehicles, these technologies have sparked consumer interest and propelled Chrysler Group to 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains and six consecutive quarters of positive sales gains. 2005 first quarter sales of the Chrysler brand increased 28 percent, compared with sales during the first quarter of 2004.

In addition to its hot products already in the marketplace, Chrysler Group will introduce the all-new Dodge Charger, Dodge Mega Cab, Jeep Commander, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8 and Dodge Viper Coupe in showrooms this year.

(1) Based on automotive awards won within the initial year of model introduction.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and a complete list of awards is available on the Internet www.media.daimlerchrysler.com . Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at www.media.daimlerchrysler.com .