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• Chrysler Town & Country’s feature-laden interior set it apart in the premium-priced truck category 
• Award reinforces Chrysler’s leadership in minivan functionality, versatility and design

Ward’s judges named the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country “Interior of the Year” at the 2008 Ward’s Auto Interiors Show, the publication’s annual auto interior event. The prestigious top award emphasizes Town & Country’s place as the premium minivan in the segment.

“Best-interior nominees included the usual smattering of utility vehicles, from the sporty Mazda CX-9 to the sophisticated Volkswagen Touareg 2,” said Eric Mayne, Editor - Ward's Automotive Reports. “But the Chrysler Town & Country’s rich content and well-executed functionality made it the consensus winner.”

The Chrysler Town & Country’s seating and storage features gave it the leg-up in the 10-judge interior competition. The industry-exclusive Swivel ‘n Go™ seating group was praised for its ability to face third-row passengers, and in-floor storage bins designed from the Stow ‘n Go™ seating system provided a great solution to help eliminate unnecessary interior clutter.

“(Ward's AutoWorld) Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter swooned over the rich suede micro-fiber that accented the first- and second-row seats,” Mayne said. “Finished in pearlescent white leather, the seating surfaces invoked macho Drew to use the L-word (love). But just as a successful campaign helps politicians cut through the clutter, a well-designed interior helps motorists manage it. On this issue, the Town & Country is a clear winner.”

From a more contemporary and elegant interior design, premium interior amenities, to its versatile seating - the comforts of a well-appointed home were incorporated in the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, making time spent traveling, time well-spent for families.

“It is a great honor to have the Ward’s judges give the all-new Chrysler Town & Country their most prestigious award,” said Joe Dehner, Vice President – Small, Family and Premium Vehicle Design, Chrysler LLC. “Great detail was given to our innovative and flexible minivan interior from satin finishes, burl wood trim choices, chrome accents and clean tailored lines to ensure an upscale look and feel.”

Available at Chrysler dealerships nationwide, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country raises the bar in the minivan segment. With more than 25 years of minivan development and more than 60 segment firsts, Town & Country remains the best vehicle to transport people comfortably and their things efficiently.

Chrysler engineers developed two distinct seating systems: Chrysler’s exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system and the new Swivel ’n Go™ seating systems.

Swivel ’n Go™ offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating. The table stores out of sight in the second-row covered storage bins when not in use. Swivel ’n Go also offers an available minivan-first integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair (late availability) and an available minivan-exclusive one-touch power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat. With Swivel ‘n Go, everything from dinner on the go to card tournaments is possible.

The most flexible seating system in the minivan segment, Stow ’n Go™ is standard on all Chrysler Town & Country models, giving customers second- and third-row seating that quickly and conveniently folds into the floor.

Entertainment options are unmatched by competitors. With music, audio, movie and personalized picture display capability, the MyGIG® Entertainment System anchors the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country’s multimedia together with a 20-gigabyte hard drive for 1,200 songs, USB port, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, front-row movie playback (in Park as permitted by state regulations) and an audio jack for any MP3 player audio playback. The MyGIG Infotainment System adds even more capability with navigation, voice controls and real-time traffic monitoring.

For the rear passengers, minivan-first dual DVD system can play different media at the same time. With SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite streaming video and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, DVD player and dual A/V jacks with a 115-volt power inverter in the second row, there is something to keep everyone entertained. Halo lighting, second-row power windows, second- and third-row sun shades and a removable, rechargeable flashlight in the rear cargo area are some family-friendly innovations found in the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country.

All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country offers an all-new contemporary appearance, three different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems and safety features. The Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new and improved features, including a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle, more standard equipment including Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The newest feature is the Swivel ’n Go™ seating system, offering second row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor and the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating. The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has received the U.S. Government’s highest Five Star crash test rating in both front and side impacts. The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is $23,595.

Chrysler Brand
Chrysler is the seventh largest brand in the U.S. automotive market. The brand’s succession of innovative products continues to solidify Chrysler’s standing as the leader in design, agile performance and innovative technology built around a customer’s needs, all at an extraordinary value.

The award-winning all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new or improved features that include the innovative Swivel ’n Go™ seating system.

Arriving later this year, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will give a unique option to customers who need the cargo and towing capability of a sport-utility vehicle, but want a more efficient alternative. Chrysler Aspen Hybrid is more than 25 percent more fuel efficient overall, and up to 40 percent more fuel efficient in the city. Also, for customers seeking fuel efficiency, the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Chrysler Sebring Convertible both achieve 28 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy and have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay program, which recognizes the cleanest, most efficient vehicles sold in the U.S.

• 2009 Dodge Journey takes a top award at the annual Ward’s Auto Interiors Show 
• Award reinforces Dodge Journey’s leadership in design, family-friendly features and innovative technology

Ward’s judges presented the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey crossover a special achievement award, “Clever Utility,” for its well-thought-out and smartly integrated interior features at the 2008 Ward’s Auto Interiors Show — the publication’s annual auto interior event.

“‘Extreme functionality’ sums up one Ward’s judge of the Dodge’s flexible interior,” said David E. Zoia, Editorial Director - WardsAuto.com. “To start, the Journey has more hiding places than a Nancy Drew mansion. Flip forward the front passenger-seat cushion to reveal a nicely sized compartment for keeping valuables out of sight. There are also concealed compartments under the floor in the rear cargo bay and ahead of the second-row seats — the latter specially lined for potential use as an ice chest.”

A key target for the 2009 Dodge Journey’s design team was delivering a crossover with a practical, flexible interior, and seating and innovative storage features typically found in the award-winning and best-selling Chrysler and Dodge minivans.

“The all-new Dodge Journey right-size crossover is designed to satisfy buyers’ rapidly changing demands by offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility,” said Joe Dehner, Vice President – Small, Family and Premium Vehicle Design, Chrysler LLC. “The 'Clever Utility' special achievement award validates what our designers and engineers sought to accomplish, and we are honored by Ward’s' judges for this recognition.”

Now available at Dodge dealers nationwide, the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey redefines the expanding mid-size crossover segment, offering seating and cargo versatility, safety and security, child friendliness, great all-weather driving capability, best-in-class fuel economy (19 city/25 mpg highway) and a best-in-class starting price of $19,985.

Designed from the ground up, the all-new Dodge Journey combines the versatility of a large sport-utility vehicle with the efficiency of a passenger car. With bold, capable styling, perfect proportions and an innovative interior design, Dodge Journey is the right-size crossover for people who want the prestige of an SUV and the functionality and utility of a minivan.

Utilizing the Dodge brand’s successful family vehicle formula, Dodge Journey incorporates unique seating and a best-in-class storage system, creating a spacious and flexible interior ready to handle life’s ever-changing challenges. With the simple turn of a single lever, the available Tilt ‘n Slide™ seven-passenger seating system quickly folds the second-row seat cushion upward and slides the entire seat forward, allowing third-row passengers easy in-and-out access. Two available integrated child booster seats — a first in the mid-size crossover segment — quickly pull out from the second-row seat cushion, eliminating the need to transport bulky child seats. Spacious storage bins, including Flip ‘n Stow™ front-passenger concealed storage, Chill Zone™ glove box beverage cooler and dual in-floor bins with washable liners in the second row, offer quick storage and increased passenger comfort.

Dodge Journey offers a variety of innovative technologies that make life easier. A cutting-edge MyGIG® multimedia system provides the driver and passengers 3-D navigation with real-time traffic monitoring, an integrated 30-gigabyte hard drive to store music and pictures, and an auxiliary audio jack to play any MP3 player. Additional features including SIRIUS Satellite Radio, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera, UConnect® hands-free communication that is Bluetooth® compatible, a UCI for iPod connectivity, and rear DVD entertainment with two wireless headphones, make every day a driving pleasure.

With a four-wheel independent suspension, two fuel-efficient powertrain options and available performance-tuned suspension, Dodge Journey delivers decisive handling in nearly all conditions. Available all-wheel drive further enhances Journey’s all-weather capabilities.

Dodge Journey SE’s standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is coupled with a standard four-speed automatic providing best-in-class fuel economy. With 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, the Dodge Journey delivers efficient, yet solid performance. The 2.4-liter 16-valve engine produces 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N•m) of torque and features dual variable valve timing, intake manifold flow control valves, acoustic cylinder head covers, dual counter-rotating balance shafts and an acoustic oil pan.

Dodge Journey SXT and R/T models feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower (175 kW) and 232 lb.-ft. (315 N•m) of torque coupled with a fluid six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick that provides quick acceleration and a quite ride. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine on front-wheel-drive models delivers 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway on all-wheel-drive models.

With more than 35 safety and security technologies available and a Five Star government front- and side-crash test rating, Dodge Journey delivers peace of mind. With standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, standard front-seat-mounted (thorax) side air bags, standard three-row side-curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation, Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Control, structural safety cage with side-door impact beams and an available back-up camera, Dodge Journey features the latest safety and security features.

• Chrysler and Dodge minivans earn Institute's top rating, "Good" rating in front and side crash protection
• Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offer more than 40 safety and security features
  

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan earned "good" ratings, the highest ratings available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in both frontal offset and side crashworthiness tests.

"Minivans are the one of the safest vehicles on the road and our all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are built with more than 25 years of proven engineering innovations", said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "Our Chrysler and Dodge minivans come loaded with standard features including all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, advance multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags and an Electronic Stability Program."

Chrysler and Dodge minivans are committed to safety and security and IIHS tests are one of the many metrics, along with U.S. Federal Government requirements and internal metrics used to continually improve vehicle performance.

All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country offers an all-new contemporary appearance, three different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems and safety features. The Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new and improved features, including a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle, more standard equipment including Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The newest feature is the Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system, offering second row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor and the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating. The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has received the U.S. Government's highest Five Star crash test rating in both front and side impacts. The starting U.S. MSRP of the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is $23,595.

All-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
As the first to introduce the modern minivan in 1984, Dodge continues to revolutionize the family road trip. Its all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan has 35 new or improved features including the exclusive Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system, turning the minivan into a "family room on wheels." The vehicle also offers an entertainment system with dual DVD players and SIRIUS Backseat TV with family programming channels that include Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network Mobile. The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan has received the U.S. Government's highest Five Star crash test rating in both front and side impacts. The starting U.S. MSRP of the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is $22,700.

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"Yeah, you’d want one. Maybe even sell a vital organ for experimental medicine for one. Certainly cash-in your kids’ college fund to put one in your garage.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. When Dodge announced there’d be an initial, limited run of 6,400 Challenger SRT8s for the ’08 model year, they sold out before you could say “Eat My Mustang.”

And why wouldn’t you lust after this piece of throbbing, tire-fricasseeing, Hemi-powered American muscle? Especially when it comes with a 6.1-liter pushrod V8 up front delivering 425 horses and a whole hunka burnin’ torque."

SpeedTV - 2008 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT: Smokin’ Hot

Available on 2009 Chrysler, Jeep_® and Dodge models

• Customer benefits: improved fuel economy, performance, flexibility and convenience
• In-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity: coming from Mopar® by year end
• Rear Cross Path: Chrysler-exclusive system warns drivers of approaching traffic in the parking lot aisle during back-up maneuvers
• Blind Spot Monitoring: exclusive to Chrysler and Dodge in minivan segment
• Active transfer case combined with front-axle disconnect: independent technologies offered together only by Chrysler
• Rear-seat swivel scree: yet another Chrysler exclusive
• Enhanced voice-activated in-vehicle communications system
• Knowledge Based Engineering: vastly improves vehicle development time

» Read More

“Jeep engineering has been coming to Moab for years. Mopar is at Moab to test, evaluate and prove the authenticity of our Mopar Performance Parts for Jeep vehicles and Dodge trucks on the most grueling off-road trails in Moab,” said Simon Boag, President – Service & Parts/Mopar, Chrysler LLC. Mopar is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and supplier.

Boag added, “We wanted our core off-road customers to talk about their vehicle usage so we can address their unmet needs and identify emerging product trends to better support their off-road adventures. Mopar prepped several vehicles for Moab Jeep Safari to gauge consumer feedback and reaction.”

Overseen by Ralph Gilles, Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design, Chrysler LLC, the Mopar Underground design team has been customizing production vehicles since its creation in 2002. The Mopar Underground design team creates vehicle concepts meant to develop performance parts, accessories and customization as well as new vehicle concepts. In fact, the first-generation SRT4 was born from this team’s style initiative.

“Our diverse team which changes frequently has been developing SEMA concepts for more than five years. It’s the usual ‘enthusiast’ suspects from our union shops [plastic, paint, metal and wood], Product Design Office, SRT and Mopar Performance Parts and engineering,” said Gilles.

“We try to push the boundaries of conventional thinking—customizing with no limits to creative expression and freedom, just the power to imagine. We want to build customized concept vehicles that flex the potential in our platforms, show that Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles are indeed designed for customization and keep the Mopar spirit and passion alive,” said Gilles.

Vehicle Customization Industry

• The 2007 Jeep Wrangler was named one of the most accessory-friendly vehicles by SEMA members
• According to a Foresight Research report conducted last year [commissioned by SEMA's Research and Information Center], more than 1,700 full-size truck owners revealed that 50 percent had spent or planned to spend $500 or more on accessories—with a high of 63 percent for Dodge Ram owners (most likely to accessorize). And 20 percent of that group said they bought their trucks at a particular dealership because of the availability of accessories

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• Five-star Front- and Side-Impact Ratings Accentuate Chrysler LLC’s Commitment to Safety and Security 
• Dodge Journey Offers More Than 35 Safety and Security Features
  

The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey earned 5-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash along with 5-star driver and rear passenger ratings for side impact protection, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is now available at local Dodge dealers.

“The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey features the latest in safety and security features providing our customers the peace of mind they want and expect”, said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Car and Minivan Product Team. “Safety is a top priority and the Dodge Journey delivers with advance multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted thorax air bags, all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags and a mid-size crossover first integrated child booster seat.”

When it comes to safety and security, Dodge Journey employs a two-fold approach: conventional features including pretensioning and load-limiting seat belt retractors and supplemental air bags are combined with accident-avoidance features including an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Brake Assist.

» Read More

"Sorry, Ford. Your by-default reign over the American musclecar party is about to come to an end. This is clear the instant we climb aboard a final engineering prototype of the Challenger SRT8, fire its 425-horse Hemi V-8, and plant our right foot hard to the mat. The engine screams to over 6000 rpm, the rectangular exhaust outlets bellow, and the Big Bad Dodge"

"The challenge has begun." Motor Trend magazine has the "First Drive" article about the new 2008 Dodge Challenger.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - First Drive - Motor Trend

Teammates Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch gave Dodge its first ever 1-2 sweep in NASCAR’s premier event, the Daytona 500, winning the 50th running of the “Great American Race” Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

The Dodge Charger domination didn’t stop there. Six of the first eight positions were filled by Dodge drivers. Reed Sorenson finished fifth, Elliott Sadler sixth, Kasey Kahne seventh and Robby Gordon eighth.

Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli met with Dodge team owners earlier Sunday and announced there would be a $1 million bonus for a Dodge victory. During a meeting with several members of the motorsports press later in the day, he predicted a Dodge victory.

Newman and Busch put together the winning charge on the final lap. The teammates were second and third as the field took the white flag. They drafted their way to the front down the backstretch and stayed glued together through the final two turns and down to the tri-oval for the 1-2 finish.

It was Newman’s first Daytona 500 victory and snapped an 81-race winless streak. He led four times for eight laps in the No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger, but the most important was the final circuit. The win was also the first Daytona 500 victory for car owner Roger Penske, the most successful owner in open wheel history with 14 Indianapolis 500 victories.

“I’ve been here almost 30 years trying to get in victory lane,” said Penske. “To achieve this with the competition, with Ryan and Roy and the whole team, it’s just unbelievable. We’ve worked hard. We’ve come close. I think it was a pure team effort. Ryan drove a masterful race, as he has done many times and come up short. But today was special for us.”

It was the first Daytona 500 win by a Dodge driver since Ward Burton visited victory lane in 2002.

Newman collected $1,506,045 for the win plus the $1 million bonus from Dodge.

“Kurt was the push from heaven that made it all happen," Newman said. "Without a doubt, he could have easily gone three-wide and split us through the center and made one heck of a mess there. But he chose to be a teammate, and that was the most honorable thing that he could do.

“I don’t have the words to explain how I feel. This is awesome. It’s probably one of the most awesome things that has happened to me. Just to be a part of the 50th running of the Daytona 500; 15 years ago I was sitting in the grandstands in the Seagraves Tower as a spectator. It’s awesome to make the change.”

Busch started 43rd in the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, but managed to work his way to the front and lead nine laps. It was his third runner-up finish in the Daytona 500. He has seven top-five finishes in 15 races at Daytona.

“To give my teammate a shot and to push him to victory makes me feel like we won this thing as well, right along with him,” said Busch. “You have to have teammates when you are restrictor plate racing. You have to work together whether you are on the track or off the track. Penske Racing deserves this. It’s our first ever restrictor plate win and we came through with a one-two finish.”

Newman’s Dodge Charger will be inducted into the Daytona 500 Experience Monday where it will remain on display for one year. Following the induction ceremonies, Newman departs for New York for a media tour and then on to Las Angeles on Tuesday afternoon for more appearances.

"This is an awesome victory,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing. “The win is super important. Ryan and the No. 12 team did an excellent job. Penske Racing was on top of their game today. It was a great showing by all the Dodge teams; to get six out of the top eight is just a phenomenal showing for Dodge. It shows the depth of our program and we couldn’t be more excited for the 2008 season.”

Sorenson and Kahne ran in the top 10 throughout the race while Gordon and Sadler made their move to the front in the latter stages of the 200-lap event. There were 42 lead changes among 16 drivers.

"We had a good car,” said Kahne. “I think we were in the top 10 all day long. I was really happy with the Budweiser Dodge. The team did a good job with the pit stops and the car was great. A Dodge won, so that’s pretty awesome for Dodge and all of us.”

For Sorenson, driver of the No. 41 Target Dodge Charger from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, it was his third top-10 finish in the Daytona 500.

“Everybody on the team has done a great job since we got here and I think that says a lot about what we can do this year,” said Sorenson.

Gordon said he played it safe in his Dodge Charger until the final 100 miles.

“My car was good,” he said. “I was just surviving and trying not to put myself in position to tear my car up until the last 40 laps. My hat is off to all the guys at GEM (Gillett Evernham Motorsports) and congratulations to Dodge.”

Bobby Labonte finished 11th and Sam Hornish Jr. was 15th, best among the Raybestos Rookie of the Year contenders.

“I’m about as happy as I can be with the 15th-place finish,” said Hornish. “We came in with a goal that if we were in the top-20, we would be happy with that. Not only were we able to do that, we were able to see one of our teammates win. That was great.”

Other Dodge finishers were Juan Pablo Montoya 32nd, Dario Franchitti 33rd and Kyle Petty 34th.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Point Standings
(After 1 of 36 Races)
Ryan Newman 190
Kurt Busch 175
Tony Stewart 170
Kyle Busch 170
Reed Sorenson 160
Kasey Kahne 151
Elliott Sadler 150
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 143
Robby Gordon 142
Greg Biffle 139
Bobby Labonte 130
Jeff Burton 129

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Stacy Compton and Dennis Setzer posted top-10 finishes for Bobby Hamilton Racing-Virginia in the season-opening Craftsman Truck Series event at Daytona International Speedway. Compton finished sixth in the No. 4 Potamkin-Rivera Dodge-sponsored Dodge Ram while Setzer was 10th in the No. 18 “All-New Dodge Journey” Dodge Ram.

Todd Bodine held off Kyle Busch to win the 250-mile event as16 trucks finished on the lead lap. The event was marred by several crashes. It was Bodine’s second consecutive superspeedway race as he won at Talladega (Ala.) last October.

Craftsman Truck Series Points Standings
(After 1 of 25 Races)
1. Todd Bodine 195
2. Kyle Busch 170
3. Johnny Benson 170
4. David Starr 160
5. Rick Crawford 155
6. Stacy Compton 150
7. Chad McCumbee 146
8. Justin Marks 142
9. Brian Scott 138
10. Dennis Setzer 134