PRESS RELEASE

New 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Brings the Top Down At the 2004 North American International Auto Show 

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The roof came down at Detroit's Cobo Hall as the Chrysler Group revealed the new 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible at the North American International Auto Show Tuesday. The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible continues the phenomenon begun with the introduction of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan, but at a level cooler than a breeze through your hair and at a price to warm the heart.
 

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will begin at $19,995 (excluding $590 destination).
 

Sunshine Above With Quiet Space to Enjoy It
 

With its distinct combination of heritage-inspired styling, one-of-a-kind versatility, best-in-class roominess and unmatched comfort, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible represents a unique offering to the convertible customer. With 84.3 cu.-ft. of space and 13.3 cu.-ft. of pass-through luggage volume, the PT Cruiser Convertible offers more interior cargo volume than its competitors.
 

"Our engineers wanted to make the PT Cruiser Convertible a convertible that you can actually do things with," said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. "Nine different seat configurations and a pass-through trunk opening with enough room to store two golf bags make the car more versatile than its competitors."
 

Added to that is a new level of comfort for convertible passengers. At more than 40 cubic inches, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features almost 10 inches more rear leg room than other competitors in its class. The PT Cruiser Convertible also has the same rear seat height as the sedan, for "open air" rear theater seating.
 

In addition to offering best-in-class rear leg room and pass-through cargo space, the PT Cruiser Convertible is also one of the quietest convertibles, based on driving experience.
 

"The combination of the sport bar design and position, together with enhancements to the body structure results in an exceptionally quiet ride," said Lyons. "While on-the-road experience is what ultimately matters, we performed extensive wind tunnel testing to assure our customers a quiet ride, top up or top down."
 

Three Levels of Convertible Options
 

The newest, most useful convertible in the U.S. market is available in Standard, Touring and GT models.
 

The standard PT Cruiser Convertible includes a standard 150-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with a manual transaxle. Also included as standard equipment are loads of features not usually found in convertibles at this price, such as a power convertible soft top, sport bar with integrated dome lamps, solar- tinted "Smart" glass, rear glass window with electric defroster, cloth sport seats with driver manual lumbar adjuster, rear 50/50 split-fold and tumble seats, pass-through cargo area, power exterior mirrors, touring-tuned suspension and body-color fascias and body side moldings.
 

With an MSRP of $22,900 (excluding $590 destination), the Touring model Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features a standard 150-horsepower engine with a manual transaxle and an optional 180-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with automatic transaxle. All the standard model features are included as well, with the addition of a convertible top boot, 16-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, speed control, security alarm, fog lights, floor mats and an AM/FM stereo with CD player.
 

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT model includes a standard High Output 220-horsepower turbocharged engine with a five-speed Getrag manual transaxle, plus all of the Touring model standard equipment. Other key GT model standard features include a performance-tuned suspension with ABS four- wheel disc brakes, low-speed traction control, chrome-accented grille and fascia, 17-inch Empire painted cast aluminum wheels, all-season performance tires, a 2.75-inch chrome-plated stainless steel exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, driver seat power height adjuster, unique silver painted shifter knob, "GT" embroidered floor mats, side air bags, an AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player and driver and front passenger side air bags. MSRP for the GT model PT Cruiser Convertible is $27,565 (excluding $590 destination).
 

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio also will be sold outside North America as Limited and GT models. Pricing for these markets will be announced at a later date.
 

Segment-defying Style and Versatility
 

The new PT Cruiser Convertible will redefine the convertible segment in much the same way the original Chrysler PT Cruiser defied fitting into an automotive pigeonhole. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will draw from the entire convertible segment in addition to appealing to those who may not have considered a convertible before.
 

"Because features like best-in-class rear leg room, a quiet ride and more pass-through cargo space will appeal to convertible customers no matter where they fall in the segment, we anticipate that the Chrysler PT Cruiser will prove an attractive alternative to the competition," said Jeff Bell, Vice- President-Chrysler/Jeep(R) Marketing.
 

Continued Convertible Leadership
 

Drop-top customization is a trend long familiar to the Chrysler Group and the Chrysler brand. Chrysler sold almost 44,000 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles in 2002 and enjoyed a 14.5-percent share of the convertible market, the highest of any nameplate. Chrysler Sebring Convertible is America's best- selling convertible.
 

The new PT Cruiser Convertible continues DaimlerChrysler's tradition of offering customers convertible "firsts." Others include the first automatic convertible top from Plymouth in 1939 and the first U.S. introduction of a convertible after the sales lull in the '70s with the 1982 Le Baron Convertible.
 

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Production
 

Production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible begins in early 2004 at DaimlerChrysler's Toluca (Mexico) Assembly Plant. 
 

Source: Chrysler Group

CONTACT: Beth Ann Bayus, +1-248-512-0350, or Bryan Zvibleman,
+1-248-512-2686, both of Chrysler Group
 

Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ 
 

Source: PRNewswire -- Jan. 6, 2004