Chrysler Brand Launches New Independent Film Program; ``The Chrysler Film Project'' Will Award a Feature Film Production Deal to Competition Winner

LOS ANGELES--Jan. 19, 2006--The Chrysler brand today announced plans to debut a new film competition, "The Chrysler Film Project (CFP)," in Park City, Utah. The CPF will give independent filmmakers the opportunity to compete for a feature film production deal. Aspiring filmmakers can visit the Chrysler Studio (333 Main St., Park City, Utah) from Jan. 20-23 or www.chrysler.com/film (after Jan 20, 2006th) for entry details.

"The Chrysler brand stands for innovation and inspiration. These are the same values held by independent film makers," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler. "This project is a great way to support the craft of filmmaking while extending the Chrysler brand to a greater audience."

To participate, filmmakers are required to submit a short film as well as a full-length feature script. Five finalists will then be challenged to create Chrysler-branded short films showcasing their talent, with a single candidate ultimately chosen to produce a feature film. All films, both the shorts created as part of the competition, as well as the single winning feature, will be presented to the marketplace for theatrical and ancillary distribution in all channels (DVD, TV, Foreign, etc). Managing the juried competition process will be the Independent Film Project (IFP), a national organization supporting independent filmmakers.

"IFP always seeks out opportunities to act as a conduit to enable new opportunities for emerging filmmakers to see their inspiration brought to life," said Michelle Byrd, executive director of IFP. "We're pleased to be a part of the Chrysler Film Project and through our role hope to cast the widest net possible to give a worthy first time feature filmmaker a real opportunity to have his or her first film produced."

In addition, Chrysler is launching Chrysler in the Movies: Virtual Film Competition at Chrysler Studio, where any consumer with inspired ideas is given the opportunity to create their own virtual films using Activision's "The Movies(TM)" videogame. Participants may submit their film online at www.themoviesgame.com/filmcompetiton through April 20, 2006, to be eligible to win a Chrysler Crossfire.

The Chrysler Film Project and The Chrysler Studio are not affiliated with Sundance Institute or the Sundance Film Festival.

Visit DaimlerChrysler's Media Services web site at www.media.daimlerchrysler.com for additional DaimlerChrysler news.

Visit the Chrysler Film Project's website at www.chrysler.com/movies.

About Chrysler Group

The Chrysler Group, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. The company increased worldwide annual sales in 2005 by five percent to 2.83 million vehicles, making the Chrysler Group the only North American-based automaker to achieve a sales increase last year. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, the Jeep Commander and the Dodge Charger. The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, the Company's philanthropic arm, gave $26 million in grants in 2005. The Chrysler Group is a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's fifth largest automaker, which produces passenger and commercial vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart and Freightliner brands.

About IFP

IFP is a not-for-profit membership organization designed to foster a more sustainable infrastructure that supports independent filmmaking and ensures that the public has the opportunity to see films that more accurately reflect the full diversity of the American culture. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in NYC, IFP organizations can be found in Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Seattle and is part of an international network of organizations each supporting their own national filmmaking efforts. The goal of IFP's programs is to provide a national and international platform that facilitates a nexus between the creative and the business of filmmaking. The organization's programming falls into four basic categories: Professional Development, Direct Project Support, Audience Development and Advocacy. Among the well-established properties within the IFP family are the IFP Market, Gotham Awards and quarterly publication, Filmmaker Magazine.