Alcantara Now Available in Select 2008 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Models

Luxurious Interior Material Combines Function and Style

NEW YORK, Oct. 22 -- Alcantara(R), the luxury car interior material, will now be available in a number of new 2008 automobiles from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. Since its introduction to the U.S. market nearly two years ago, Alcantara(R) has quickly become the interior of choice among American auto makers for its luxurious feel, style and functionality.

Alcantara(R) is now available in the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica Limited and Pacifica Signature, the Chrysler 300 SRT Design and 300C SRT-8 and the Chrysler Town & Country Limited.

In addition, for the first time ever, consumers can find Alcantara(R) in select 2008 Dodge and Jeep models. The 2008 Dodge Charger SRT-8 and R/T will offer the multi-dimensional interior as an option, as will the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 and R/T, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 and Jeep Commander Overland.

Discerning consumers are increasingly seeking Alcantara(R) when purchasing a new vehicle. The one-of-a-kind upholstery material has long been a fixture in the most legendary foreign sports cars and, more recently, in select American cars and SUVs from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

The versatility of Alcantara(R) is one of its strongest attributes. It can be used on door panels, headliners, seat covers, consoles or gear shift covers to create a distinctive interior design that evokes luxury and exclusivity.

"We've been very excited to gain momentum this past year by working with the Big Three American automakers to make Alcantara(R) more widely available in the U.S., most recently in select Dodge and Jeep models," said Derick C. Fronda, Executive Director of TUA. "American automakers continue to expand their Alcantara(R) offering so consumers can experience the high quality and durability of the material."

FUNCTION

The antistatic, breathable, and high grip qualities of Alcantara(R) have helped revolutionize automotive interior design and established it as the material that provides the highest quality for auto manufacturers around the world. More than just a seat covering, Alcantara(R) is an expressive layer that communicates the highest aesthetic and performance standards with ultimate comfort.

TECHNOLOGY

The proprietary production process of Alcantara(R) is characterized by automation and constant control of all phases from spinning to dyeing and is designed to reduce the impact on the environment by adhering to a policy of eco-efficiency higher than that required by law.

About Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc.

TUA is a subsidiary of Toray Industries. Founded in 1926, Toray is a global corporation with worldwide net sales of $15 billion. Employing more than 34,000 people in 16 countries across the globe, Toray is strategically diversified in the fields of aerospace, pharmaceutical & medical, plastics & chemicals and IT-related products. Additionally, Toray is the world's leading manufacturer of advanced fibers and textiles and the inventor of the first ultra-micro fiber.

TUA is the official distributor of Alcantara(R) materials in the American automotive markets.

Alcantara(R) is the registered trademark of Alcantara(R) Spa, Italy. For more information go to http://www.alcantara.com/.

Alcantara (material)
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

AlcantaraAlcantara is the name given to a composite material 
used to cover surfaces and forms in a variety of situations and applications.

The material was developed in the 1970s by Miyoshi Okamoto, a scientist 
working for the Japanese chemical company Toray [1]. In 1972, a joint venture
between Italian chemical company ENI and Toray formed Alcantara SpA in order 
to manufacture and distribute the material [2].

Alcantara is created via the combination of an advanced spinning process 
(producing very low denier bi-component "islands in the sea" fibre) and chemical 
and textile production processes (needle punching, buffing, impregnation, 
extraction, finishing, dyeing, etc.) which interact with each other