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'Chrysler Proving Grounds' Consumer Driving Event Expands to 18 Cities

14 April 2000

'Chrysler Proving Grounds' Consumer Driving Event Expands to 18 Cities

                 Chrysler PT Cruiser added to nationwide tour

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 14 The "Chrysler Proving
Grounds" consumer driving program, featuring the all-new 2001 Chrysler PT
Cruiser, expands to a nation-wide, 18-city tour, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
announces today.  The 2000 tour kicks off simultaneously in Houston and Miami
from April 13-16.
    Tested as a combined program in four Jeep(R) 101 markets in 1999, the
Chrysler Proving Grounds program proved a successful on-road complement to the
innovative off-road Jeep 101 driving course.  Both programs put the consumers
in the drivers' seat and provide an opportunity to let consumers experience
Chrysler and Jeep vehicles in a safe and educational, yet distinctive and
entertaining environment.
    "This challenging Chrysler Proving Grounds course of slalom curves, tar
strips and other obstacles highlights the exceptional performance and agile
handling of the Chrysler brand vehicles in a friendly and safe environment,"
said A. C. (Bud) Liebler, Senior Vice President, Marketing - DaimlerChrysler
Corporation.  "Jeep 101 and Chrysler Proving Grounds are the perfect
opportunity for us to showcase the breadth of our product portfolio to
consumers who are in various stages of the buying process."
    Event attendees will have the chance to drive the all-new 2001 Chrysler PT
Cruiser -- the newest addition to the product line -- in addition to the
Chrysler 300M, Sebring Convertible, LHS, Concorde and Town & Country minivan.
    "The automotive press is already calling the Chrysler PT Cruiser one of
the most significant new vehicle introductions in the last 35 years," said
Liebler.  "The Chrysler Proving Grounds program is a great event to have
consumers across the country experience this segment-defining vehicle."
    The Chrysler Proving Grounds is designed to raise consumer awareness of
Chrysler brand products, while providing a highly interactive shopping
process.  No sales people are on site.  Instead, knowledgeable product
ambassadors answer questions and assist with securing pricing information.
    While at Chrysler Proving Grounds, consumers can also participate in
lifestyle activities and interactive displays on-site at the event.  The
Chrysler Innovation tent profiles the more than 75 year history of the
Chrysler brand and the advertising throughout the years.
    Jeep 101 is an off-road course that consumers can navigate with a trained
guide to learn how Jeep vehicles handle in 4x4 conditions.  In addition to the
course, attendees can participate in a variety of Jeep lifestyle activities.
The first Jeep 101 program was held four years ago and it has grown to the 18
city tour for 2000.
    "Jeep 101 participants experience first-hand the tremendous capabilities
of Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Wrangler," said Liebler.  "After a couple
of hours on the Jeep 101 course, consumers are better prepared and more
confident in their driving skills, making them safer drivers of four-wheel
drive vehicles."
    The 2000 schedule of upcoming Jeep 101/Chrysler Proving Grounds event
cities include:  Houston and Miami (April 13-16), Orlando (April 28-30),
Dallas (May 5-7), Charlotte (May 12-14), Los Angeles (May 19-21), Atlanta and
San Francisco (June 9-11), Cleveland and Denver (June 23-25), Minneapolis
(July 14-16), Washington, D.C. (July 21-23), Chicago (July 28-30).
    Invitations for both Chrysler Proving Grounds and Jeep 101 are mailed to
current and prospective owners, who then call the registration number to
select a time to participate.  Sessions are scheduled hourly, Thursday
Noon - 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    For more information on Chrysler Proving Grounds and Jeep 101, interested
consumers can call 800-TEST-CHRYSLER or 800-789-JEEP respectively.