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Jeep(R) Cherokee - the Enduring Classic - Enters Extended Production Run

27 January 2000

Jeep(R) Cherokee - the Enduring Classic - Enters Extended Production Run

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 26 -- In response to overwhelming
customer demand, DaimlerChrysler Corporation announced today that
it will extend production of the current Jeep Cherokee at the Parkway Plant in
Toledo, Ohio past the scheduled November, 2000 close of production date.  This
falls on the heels of record 1999 sales of the Jeep product line.
    "We have a unique opportunity to continue production of the current
Cherokee while we ready a new plant for production of a future Jeep model,"
said Martin Levine, Vice President of the Chrysler/Plymouth & Jeep Division.
"No other sport-utility vehicle, after 16 years in the market, has had as much
staying power as the Jeep Cherokee."
    In 1999, Cherokee sales were 165,261, up 13 percent over 1998 figures.
    "The durable, classic design of the Cherokee has made it a perennial
favorite among sport-utility owners all over the world," said Levine.  "The
Cherokee is our 'gateway' to the Jeep brand."
    "Today's announcement demonstrates the company's commitment to the
employees at this plant and the Toledo community," said Ed Mercer, Toledo
Assembly Plant Manager.
    Production for the new Jeep sport-utility vehicle is on schedule to begin
in the Spring of 2001.  The production extension of the Cherokee will in no
way effect the launch of the new model at the new Toledo-North Assembly Plant.