---

Dodge Dakota Voted Most Appealing by J.D. Power

17 September 1999

Dodge Dakota Voted Most Appealing by J.D. Power

           - Compact Pickup is One of Four DaimlerChrysler Products
                            To Earn High Praise -

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 17 -- For the third consecutive
year, Dodge Dakota has been voted the "most appealing" compact pickup in the
J.D. Power and Associates 1999 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout
(APEAL) Study.  Three other DaimlerChrysler products placed in the top three
in their category, including Chrysler 300M (Entry Luxury category), the all-
new 2000 Neon (Compact) and Dodge Durango (Compact SUV).
    "We're very pleased to have four such diverse vehicles at the top of their
class," said Cindy Hess, DaimlerChrysler Vice President - Corporate Quality.
"This says a lot about our Company-wide commitment to building products that
are not only high quality, but enjoyable to drive and own."
    The APEAL Study is based on the responses from over 87,000 new vehicle
owners and measures what excites and delights them with their vehicle's
features and design.  The study comprises eight areas of vehicle performance
and design, including: vehicle styling; engine and powertrain; comfort and
convenience; ride and handling; seats; heating, cooling and ventilation
(HVAC); cockpit and instrument panel; and sound system.  Approximately 130
cars and 70 trucks were studied.
    New owners praised Dakota's interior convenience, capability and
performance in the study, which is the second J.D. Power study this year where
Dakota has finished as the top rated compact pickup.  Earlier this year,
Dakota was voted the top compact segment in the J.D. Power Initial Quality
Study (IQS).
    "We pulled off the J.D. Power clean sweep this year," said Jim Julow, Vice
President, Dodge Division.  "Combined with the fact we're on pace for a record
sales year with Dakota, this is a trifecta that's hard to beat."
    The 2000 Dodge and Plymouth Neon scored high points for its engine and
transmission, interior space, fuel economy and overall visibility, placing it
in the top three in its first model year since being completely re-designed.
    Chrysler 300M was praised for its unique look, exterior styling and
passenger comfort, while Dodge Durango's power, exterior styling and interior
conveniences were given high marks, according to the study results.