Auto manufacturers want to design the most efficient and relevant vehicles for their target audience and people with active lifestyles want vehicles that can keep up with their adventurous activity. The Active Lifestyle Vehicle Award finds those vehicles and recognizes the top five.

In late 2007, a panel of renowned automotive journalists and premier endurance athletes tested and evaluated more than 40 new vehicles for their safety, environmental friendliness, all-terrain capability and cargo versatility. The jury’s experience spanned off-road driving experts to professional race car drivers to triathletes and beyond.

Manufacturers could enter their vehicles in five categories:

• Best value
• Best value off-road
• Luxury
• Luxury off-road
• Minivan

Best value categories required that the MSRP be under $30,000, the luxury categories were over $30,000 and minivans could come in at any price.

With over 21 manufactures making the cut, it was the most entries the program has ever received.

This fourth annual competition was co-sponsored by the Active Network and Gen-A media and marketing. Dodge Grand Caravan beat out Toyota Sienna as for the Best Minivan. The five winning 2008 vehicles were announced December 12, 2007, at The Active Network, Inc.

To see all the winners, visit www.active.com/lifestylevehicles.

The editors of MyRide.com, the consumer-driven flagship of Autobytel Inc., voted for the vehicles they'd most often recommend and Dodge Grand Caravan won by a simple majority. They based their votes on factors such as performance, quality and style, to start.

Considered to be the best of the best, Grand Caravan was named Best New Minivan for 2008 in the fifth annual Editors' Choice Awards. They liked the stow and swivel convenience features. And from a power perspective, stated the "engine matches up nicely with the best of the import competition." Overall, it offers a "smooth driving experience."

MyRide.com has everything automotive from parts and accessories to vehicle photos and videos, local dealership details, articles from the best automotive publishing brands and writers and online forums.

MyRide.com has everything automotive from parts and accessories to vehicle photos and videos, local dealership details, articles from the best automotive publishing brands and writers and online forums.

For more information, visit the My Ride site.

• Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner of Rock Island, Ill., won the Dodge "Journey of a Lifetime" contest and were married on Valentine's Day at the 100th Chicago Auto Show surrounded by thousands of vehicles
• Humphrey and Rohner will "start their journey" as husband and wife in an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey
• The couple walked down the aisle to the Journey song "Open Arms" and danced their first dance to "When You Love a Woman"

Chicago - Winners of the Dodge "Journey of a Lifetime" contest, Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner from Rock Island, Ill., are now husband and wife. The couple was married in a Valentine's Day ceremony right on the floor of the 100th Chicago Auto Show.

By marrying wedding vows with motor oil, Dodge helped the couple bypass traditional wedding planning as they put the pedal to the metal to bring the couple's dream wedding to life. With the nuptials behind them, they can begin their journey together behind the wheel of an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey.

"Crossing over from single to married life is a big step for many couples, so Dodge is happy to give Blake and Jackie an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, a vehicle that blends the practicality of a minivan, the capability of an SUV and the overall efficiency of a passenger car," said Mike Accavitti, Director — Dodge Brand Marketing. "Dodge is thrilled to offer this one-of-a-kind wedding and 'right-sized' crossover for such a bold, fun-loving couple who live the 'Grab Life' motto."

Dodge threw the newlyweds — Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey — an all-expenses paid wedding with all the bells and whistles. The winter wedding was complete with a ceremony in front of 100 of their closest family and friends, the bride's dream wedding dress, floral bouquets, wedding cake and more. A live Journey cover band rocked the reception, crooning to tunes like "Open Arms" and the couple's favorite, "Don't Stop Believin'."

Humphrey, a fireman, and Rohner, a parent educator, were selected from 63 entries. The couple met in 2007 on St. Patrick's Day and were engaged nine months later on Dec. 8. They describe themselves as a fun-loving, free-spirited couple who love new challenges and tackling new adventures. They are always looking for a new experience to add to their list of adventures, which includes running road races, competing in triathlons and raccoon hunting, to name a few."We thank Dodge for making our special day so memorable. From walking down the aisle to the tune of a classic Journey song to being surrounded by thousands of cars and our family and friends, it was the perfect way for us to start our journey together," said Humphrey. "And winning the 'Journey of a Lifetime' contest allowed us to dodge shopping for the dreaded floral arrangements and china patterns and head straight to the altar in our new Dodge Journey."

Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner's Winning Essay

"My fiancé and I are always looking for a new experience to add to the list of adventures we have started in the 10 months we have been together. Starting our journey at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day would be a great addition.

Blake and I met on St. Patrick's Day last year. We immediately fell in love with each other and each other's crazy love for trying new things. Blake and I complement each other and support each other in all of life's adventures. Being a fireman, Blake loves a new challenge, a new adventure, and just being active. Being an educator, the kids I work with fill me with the passion for new experiences, and the silliness and free spirit to try and enjoy every new adventure. In 10 months, we have introduced each other to things we never dreamed of doing and have shared some common interests.

Our most favorite experiences include raccoon hunting late at night in the middle of the dark woods, running road races, competing in triathlons, tent camping, fishing, hiking, building snow forts, supporting both our baseball teams (the Cardinals and the White Sox) at the ballpark, and tackling every water slide and coaster we can get to. If we have experienced and accomplished so many great things in less than a year of dating, we can't wait to see what—together as a married couple—we can accomplish in a lifetime. If only we could get married in the next month and have a reliable vehicle we could use for our next great adventure. Just think how many triathlons we could compete in around the country if we had a vehicle to get us there with our bikes and all our gear. Or how many raccoons we could take home after a hard night in the woods.

We got engaged December 8, 2007, but have been ready to marry each other since the day we met. We would love to be granted the opportunity to begin our journey on Valentine's Day this year. We should be selected to start our journey of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day because we are madly in love and want to begin our journey with the greatest adventure we could think of — winning this contest and getting married at the Chicago Auto Show." — Jackie Rohner

Engaged Couples Say "I Do!"

Couples were invited to register online at http://www.DodgeJourneyOfALifetime.com for the chance to be married at the Chicago Auto Show. Residents from Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky were allowed to register online, from Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 12:01 a.m. (ET) until Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 5:00 p.m. (ET). Potential contestants answered the question, "Why should Dodge select you to start your 'Journey' of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2008?" and submit a photo of themselves as a couple.

About the Dodge Journey

The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is the Dodge brand's newest crossover vehicle, offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package. The all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new "right-sized" crossover for the Dodge brand. Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations include standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and available third-row seating for carrying up to seven passengers. Spacious storage bins, hidden in the floor and available under the front passenger seat cushion, combined with the standard Chill Zone for beverage storage, make Dodge Journey incredibly flexible and functional. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of the 2009 Dodge Journey is $19,985 (including $625 destination).

About the Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.6 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market.

The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle—the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey—is available in the first quarter of 2008, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Arriving in the spring will be the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship will arrive in the fall. Also arriving this year will be the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. Recently the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, which launched in those markets in 2006.

It is no small feat to redefine the whole concept of entertainment on the road. But Grand Caravan has done just that. With great conveniences and things like the available Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system^[1] for rolling fun around the table, its no wonder Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com gave Grand Caravan the nod. Grab your family, take a drive. And discover for yourself why Grand Caravan is the place to be between Point A and Point B.

For more information about the 2008 Best New Family Vehicles from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/family08.

[1] Seat must be locked in forward or rearward mode while vehicle is in motion. Child restraints must only be used when seats are forward facing mode. Table top must be installed to base at all times when in use. When not in use, table and base must be properly stowed. Never drive with table installed without properly using your seat belt.

Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

Swivel ‘n Go is a trademark of Chrysler LLC.

• Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner of Rock Island, Ill. have been chosen as the winners of the Dodge "Journey of a Lifetime" contest
• Humphrey and Rohner will tie the knot in a Valentine's Day ceremony at the 100th Chicago Auto Show and win an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey
• Popular Journey cover band "Infinity" will rock the auto show floor during the reception which opens to the public at 10 a.m.

Auburn Hills, Mich. — There is no question that Blake Humphrey and his future bride Jackie Rohner, from Rock Island, Ill. are lucky in love. Humphrey and Rohner were chosen as the winners of the Dodge "Journey of a Lifetime" contest, winning an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey and an all-expense paid wedding.

The couple will tie the knot in a Valentine's Day ceremony at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in front of 100 of their closest family and friends. The all-new Dodge Journey and wedding ceremony — complete with a live Journey cover band — will be awarded to make sure this couple's journey begins on the right road.

"We are so excited to get married at the auto show!" said Rohner. "Just like Dodge, Blake and I are an adventurous couple who 'grab life,' so this is an awesome opportunity that fits perfectly with how we live our lives. We are equally as excited about the all-new Dodge Journey, which will help us start our journey together."

Humphrey, a fireman, and Rohner, an educator, were selected from 63 entries. The duo met on St. Patrick's Day and were engaged on December 8, 2007. They describe themselves as a fun-loving, free-spirited couple who love new challenges and tackling new adventures. They are always looking for a new experience to add to their list of adventures, which includes running road races, competing in triathlons, and raccoon hunting in the middle of the woods, to name a few.

"Since the 2009 Dodge Journey is the perfect vehicle to help newlyweds crossover from single life to married life, Dodge is offering Blake and Jackie the chance to start their journey together at the auto show," said Mike Accavitti, Director — Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communication. "Dodge wanted to help this couple start their journey on the right road with a bold wedding ceremony and a new set of wheels that will help them meet life's changing demands — the all-new Dodge Journey."

These Newlyweds Can Say "I Did!" Couples were invited to register online at www.DodgeJourneyOfALifetime.com for the chance to be married at the Chicago Auto Show. Residents from Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky were allowed to register online, from Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 12:01 a.m. (ET) until Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 5:00 p.m. (ET). To enter, potential contestants were asked to answer the question, "Why should Dodge select you to start your 'Journey' of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2008?" and submit a photo of themselves as a couple.

Blake Humphrey & Jackie Rohner's Winning Essay "My fiancé and I are always looking for a new experience to add to the list of adventures we have started in the 10 months we have been together. Starting our journey at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day would be a great addition.

Blake and I met on St. Patrick's Day last year. We immediately fell in love with each other and each others crazy love for trying new things. Blake and I compliment each other and support each other in all of life's adventures. Being a fireman Blake loves a new challenge, a new adventure, and just being active. Being an educator, the kids I work with fill me with the passion for new experiences, and the silliness and free spirit to try and enjoy every new adventure. In 10 months we have introduced each other to things we never dreamed of doing, and have shared some common interests.

Our most favorite experiences include Raccoon Hunting late at night in the middle of the dark woods, running road races, competing in triathlons, tent camping, fishing, hiking, building snow forts, supporting both our baseball teams the Cardinals and the White Sox at the ballpark, and tackling every water slide and coaster we can get to. If we have experienced and accomplished so many great things in less than a year of dating, we can't wait to see what, together as a married couple, we can accomplish in a lifetime. If only we could get married in the next month, and had a reliable vehicle we could use for our next great adventure. Just think how many triathlons we could compete in around the country if we had a vehicle to get us there with our bikes and all our gear. Or how many raccoons we could take home after a hard night in the woods.

We got engaged December 8, 2007, but have been ready to marry each other nearly since the day we met. We would love to be granted the opportunity to begin our journey on Valentines Day this year. We should be selected to start our journey of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentines Day because we our madly in love and want to begin our journey with the greatest adventure we could think of; winning this contest and getting married at the Chicago Auto Show." — Jackie Rohner

About the Dodge Journey The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is the Dodge brand's newest crossover vehicle, offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package. The all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new "right-sized" crossover for the Dodge brand. Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations include standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and available third-row seating for carrying up to seven passengers. Spacious storage bins, hidden in the floor and available under the front passenger seat cushion, combined with the standard Chill Zone for beverage storage, make Dodge Journey incredibly flexible and functional. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of the 2009 Dodge Journey is $19,985 (including $625 destination).

About the Dodge Brand With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.

POPULAR MECHANICS, the trusted men's magazine reaching 9 million readers each month, today announced the winners of the 2008 POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards. Chosen by the magazine's expert editorial team, these awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2008 model year vehicles in ten specific categories. Dodge Grand Caravan took home the title for "Versatility" in the third annual awards.

"Our Automotive Excellence Awards are designed to honor the best new vehicles on the market in the categories that matter most to consumers when purchasing a new car," said James Meigs, editor-in-chief, POPULAR MECHANICS. "Our automotive team spends hundreds of hours driving, deliberating and debating before making their picks. We are proud to honor all of this year's winners and truly believe they are the most compelling cars and technologies available today."

Each year, to determine the winners of the POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards, PM's editors drive more than 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing well over 100,000 miles in the process. Through their experiences on extended test drives around the world, instrumented comparison tests and longer-term evaluations, the auto team nominates a list of vehicles in each category. Those selections are put to a vote and the top vote getters in each category win an Automotive Excellence Award. The auto team — led by automotive editor Ben Stewart — includes senior automotive editors Mike Allen and Chuck Tannert, the magazine's contributing editors and editor-in-chief James Meigs.

Full coverage of the 2008 POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards winners can be found in the December issue of POPULAR MECHANICS and online at www.popularmechanics.com.

To see all the winners, visit www.popularmechanics.com/cars2008

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 13

"For 20 years, Popular Science's Best of What's New awards have honored the innovations that make a positive impact on life today and change our views of the future," said Mark Jannot, Editor-in-Chief – Popular Science Magazine. "PopSci's editors evaluate thousands of products each year to develop this thoughtful list. There's no higher accolade Popular Science can give," said Jannot.

"We are very honored that Popular Science chose the 2008 Chrysler Town Country and the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan as award winners in 2007," said Deborah Meyer, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer-Chrysler LLC. "The Chrysler Town Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are leaders in the minivan marketplace because of what they offer. Innovation, functionality, value, safety and useful features are what set the Dodge and Chrysler minivans apart from the others."

As the fifth generation of industry leading minivans, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is designed to be a 'family room on wheels,' offering something new in safety, fuel economy, functionality and design.

Among the all-new minivan's 35 new or improved features are:

• Three distinct seating systems that include the Swivel n' Go™ seat system, the Stow n' Go® seating system and a second-row bench seat with fold-in-the-floor third-row seat. 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 second-row floor, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating

• Standard safety equipment such as advanced multi-stage driver and low-risk deployment air bags, the all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection and an electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist

• Entertainment features including SIRIUS Backseat TV featuring three family friendly channels (Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Mobile) and a dual DVD entertainment system that allows for different media to be played at the same time

• Convenience features like the One-touch power third row folding seat and YES essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant and anti-static fabric seats, a premium front console that slides rearward 21 inches and 13 cup or bottle holders

• A minivan-first: six-speed transaxle available with 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines for smoother shifts, more brisk launches and better acceleration with less engine flare

• Three engine options including a the 3.3-liter V-6 flex-fuel-capable engine that is mated to a four-speed transaxle and produces 175 hp and 205 lb.-ft of torque, a 3.8-liter V-6 engine mated to a new six-speed automatic transaxle that produces 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft of torque and a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to the new six-speed automatic transaxle that produces 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft of torque

Chrysler LLC invented the modern minivan segment in 1983 and has been the innovation and sales leader in the segment ever since, selling more than 12 million minivans worldwide to date and pioneering more than 60 minivan or industry-first features.

After a 34 Year Absence, All-new Dodge Muscle Car Set to Roll Across the Auction Block at 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

Limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® features a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, HEMI Orange paint, carbon-fiber-like hood stripes, a chrome fuel filler cap and a numbered dash plaqueMore than 4,300 orders placed the first day the all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 went on saleProceeds from the auction of No. 1 production Dodge Challenger SRT8 to benefit notMYkid

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 10, 2008

Dodge and notMYkid have partnered to auction the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® at the 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to be held Jan. 12-20, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"The Dodge Challenger has always been an iconic vehicle and consumers are showing overwhelming enthusiasm for the modern version– the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Dodge dealers took more than 4,300 orders the first day it went on sale. Clearly consumers are clamoring for the kind of modern amenities and iconic muscle car heritage the Challenger SRT8 offers."

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race-inspired interior and an exterior design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering a host of modern features and technologies and "race inspired, street legal" SRT DNA.

Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

Bidders will have the chance to own the car before it is shown to the public. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut on Feb. 6 at the Chicago Auto Show.

Interested bidders are required to register with Barrett-Jackson prior to bidding. Registration information can be found at www.barrett-jackson.com.

Proceeds from the first production Dodge Challenger will benefit notMYkid - an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues including suicide, drug abuse eating disorders and depression.

About the Barrett-Jackson Auction CompanyEstablished in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694. For media inquiries contact Luke DeRouen via email at lderouen@timepiecepr.com or call (214) 520-3430 ext. 301.

About notMYkidnotMYkid was founded in 2000 and is dedicated to helping kids deal with adolescent behavioral health issues and educating parents, teachers and communities about these issues. Information is available on the website www.notMYkid.org to educate parents about the warning signs and symptoms and to empower them to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies. In 2007, notMYkid reached over 100,000 students in Arizona. Nationwide notMYkid reached hundreds of thousands of parents, educators, students and community leaders. The organization offers programs for parent education as well as peer-to-peer youth educational forums.

About DodgeWith a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car, the all-new Dodge Challenger.

• Zach Madrid of Colorado Springs, Colo., has been named the most "tuned-out" car enthusiast and winner of Dodge's "Are You Tuned Out?" contest
• Contest designed to help the most "tuned-out" enthusiast spend less time in the garage and more time with loved ones by awarding an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Zach Madrid of Colorado Springs, Colo., has been named the winner of the Dodge brand's "Are You Tuned Out?" search for the nation's most "tuned-out" car enthusiast and vehicle tuner. Nominated by his fiancée, Tricia Champagne, Madrid represents the 63 percent of men who, according to a survey conducted by Dodge and Ipsos Public Affairs, are "tuned in" to their cars and trucks, sometimes at the expense of their personal relationships.

In her nomination essay, Champagne said Madrid is completely "tuned-out." So much so, that she has no chance of having a "civilized conversation" with him if there is any sort of car show on television. According to Champagne, Madrid has sketch books full of visions, concepts and customized versions of his favorite Dodge cars, and has memorized the exact horsepower and torque for the entire SRT lineup.

"The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is awesome. I can't believe I'm going to have a brand new one sitting in my driveway," said Madrid. "I never thought when Tricia nominated me that I would end up winning the 'Are You Tuned Out?' contest! I couldn't have asked for a better wedding present or a better fiancée!"

In the last year, vehicle customization and tuning has exploded into a $36.7 billion industry and Americans are spending 18 billion hours tuning and maintaining their vehicles annually . To help these tuners and tuners-in-training get cool rides without having to spend all of their free time and money in the garage, the Dodge brand launched a search for the most "tuned-out" car enthusiast. Of the nearly 1,000 enthusiasts who entered the contest, Madrid was named one of four finalists to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 – a vehicle that comes performance-tuned straight from the factory, which means tuners can spend less time working on their car and more time with their friends and family.

"In the 'Are You Tuned Out?' contest we were looking for people who are so obsessed with automotive performance and personalization, they never leave the garage long enough to really connect with their significant others, family and friends," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Jeep®, Truck, Advance Interior and Component Design, Chrysler LLC. "The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a high-performance, race-inspired vehicle that comes 'pre-tuned' straight from the factory. We hope it will help tuners like Zach live more balanced lives, because all the tuning work is already done."

While Madrid won an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4, Champagne will be awarded a Dodge prize package, which includes Dodge gear and a $100 gift card for nominating the grand prize winner. The three runners-up will each receive a Dodge prize package, which includes Dodge gear and a subscription to Mopar magazine.

"While there's no guarantee Zach won't end up right back in the garage to further personalize his Caliber SRT4, we think the vehicle's 285-horsepower and incredible acceleration will keep him and Tricia happily cruising together for a long, long time to come," said Gilles.

Tuner RoadblocksWith so many people tuned into the tuning trend, Dodge asked consumers what they considered to be the biggest roadblock to having a tuned-out ride. Cost and lack of time were identified by 41 and 34 percent of tuners respectively, while only seven percent said being in a relationship was the biggest roadblock to tuning.

Additional survey results showed:

• Putting the Grrrr in Garage – Seventeen percent of men say the garage is their favorite place to spend time at home.
• Date Night vs. Drag Night – Twenty-two percent of women and 16 percent of men would rather spend an evening without their significant other rather than have to give up their vehicle for the same night.
• Tuner Vision – More than one in three women (34 percent) say they are tuned in to cars and trucks.

Tune In to the Are You Tuned Out Contest DetailsBetween Oct. 24 and Nov. 15, consumers were invited to nominate themselves, their significant other, friends or family for a chance to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. During the registration process, participants were asked to submit a 250-word essay answering the questions, "Why are you or your significant other tuned-out?" and "How will winning an all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 help you or your significant other tune back in?"

An independent panel of judges reviewed all of the entries and the four contestants who received the highest scores were named finalists. Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 10, consumers were invited to vote for their favorite tuner or tuner-in-training online at www.DodgeRUTunedOut.com. The results of the online voting were added to the judges' scores, and the tuner with the highest combined score was awarded an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.

About the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is for the enthusiast who wants the all-around performance of a true "tuner car" right from the manufacturer. Powered by a turbocharged engine producing 285 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 has 70 more horsepower than the original SRT. Priced at $22,995, which includes $560 destination, and a 0 – 60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 once again delivers the SRT mission of benchmark performance at the lowest price.

About the Dodge BrandWith a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.

The car-loving couple will win an all-expense paid wedding ceremony and an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey

Consumers who are interested in celebrating Valentine's Day as husband and wife, and with a new ride, can register online at www.DodgeJourneyOfALifetime.com.

Auburn Hills, MI

With this Journey, one loving couple will wed. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show and the launch of the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, Dodge is proposing that couples register for a chance to tie the knot on the auto show floor and start their "Journey" of a lifetime as husband and wife. As part of the "Dodge Journey of a Lifetime" contest, Dodge will select one car-loving couple to win an all-expense paid wedding ceremony to take place on Valentine's Day and an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey.

According to a study conducted by the Condé Nast Bridal Group, approximately 20 percent of couples get engaged during the holidays. Dodge will help one of these couples speed up the start of their "Journey" together by throwing a Dodge-themed winter wedding at the Chicago Auto Show. The wedding couple will be the center of attention as 100 of their closest family members and friends will be invited to celebrate their marriage, as well as the 100th Chicago Auto Show.

While some couples may prefer a quiet ceremony, the couple who wins the "Dodge Journey of a Lifetime" wedding will be a bold, adventurous duo. The ceremony will bring all of the wedding essentials to life including the dream wedding dress, walk down the aisle, wedding reception – complete with a Journey cover band – wedding cake, floral bouquets, and more.

"The 2009 Dodge Journey is the perfect vehicle to help newlyweds crossover from single life to married life. It marries the overall efficiency of a passenger car and traditional SUV features with minivan practicality to create the perfect union," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communication. "Dodge is known for 'grabbing life,' so we wanted to help one couple in love 'grab life' and start their journey on the right road with a bold wedding ceremony and a new set of wheels to get them there – the all-new Dodge Journey."

How to Say "I Do"Couples can register online at www.DodgeJourneyOfALifetime.com for a chance to be married at the Chicago Auto Show. Residents from Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky can register online, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 12:01 a.m. (ET) until Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 5:00 p.m. (ET). To enter, potential contestants will be asked to answer the question, "Why should Dodge select you to start your 'Journey' of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2008?" and submit a photo of themselves as a couple. All participants must be 18 years or older and hold a valid driver's license at the time of entry.

The finalist couples will be announced during the week of Jan. 21. The winning couple will be selected that week, and married on Thursday, Feb. 14.

About the Dodge JourneyThe all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is the Dodge brand's newest crossover vehicle, offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package. The all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new "right-sized" crossover for the Dodge brand. With a bold, sporty design, the new, fun-to-drive Dodge Journey continues the Dodge brand's global expansion.

About the Dodge BrandWith a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.

• Four finalists have been named in the Dodge brand's "Are You Tuned Out?" contest
• Consumers invited to vote for the most "tuned out" finalist online at www.DodgeRUTunedOut.com
• One lucky car enthusiast will win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4

Auburn Hills, MI

Four finalists have been named in the Dodge brand's "Are You Tuned Out?" search for the nation's most "tuned out" car enthusiasts and vehicle tuners. With Americans spending more than 18 billion hours tuning and maintaining their vehicles annuallyi, the finalists represent the millions of people who are so "tuned in" to tricking out their rides that they have "tuned out" their friends and family.

In the last year, vehicle customization and tuning has exploded into a $36.7 billion industry, and everyone from "The Fast and the Furious" crowd to "soccer moms" and "boomer tuners" are personalizing their minivans, SUVs and family cars. To help these tuners and tuners-in-training get cool rides without having to spend all of their free time and money in the garage, the Dodge brand launched a search for the most "tuned out" car enthusiast. Of the 952 tuners and enthusiasts who entered the contest, the following four finalists were selected for the chance to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4:

• Anthony Baroni of Brentwood, Calif. – According to his wife Tiffany, Baroni is a "huge car nut." He spends countless hours researching cars online, in magazines and on TV, and is obsessed with the Dodge Caliber SRT4. He is so tuned in to tuning that he has even tried to teach his 3-year-old son to say, "Mommy, daddy needs a new Dodge."

• Zach Madrid of Colorado Springs, Colo. – Not only is Madrid "completely tuned out ... he's a Mopar freak," according to his fiancé Tricia Champagne. He has a passion for cars and customizing, and has a sketch book full of visions, concepts and customized versions of his favorite cars.

• Paul Martins of Canton, Mass. – According to Brenda Posipanko, she's lucky. She has a wonderful boyfriend who is faithful and loyal; the only problem is she never sees him. In addition to filling her dining room with a "gazillion assorted car parts," Martins spends all of his free time under the hood of his project car.

• David Mayo of Philadelphia, Pa. – Mayo spends more time with his car than any member of his family. He's so tuned out his family told him that cars are the reason he's not married. He's addicted to tuning and admits that his current car is killing his social life. If there's a rehab clinic for tuning, Mayo is the first to confess that he needs help.

Now, it's up to the online voters to tune in. Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 10, the public is invited to go online at www.DodgeRUTunedOut.com to vote for its favorite "tuned out" finalist. The results of the online voting will be combined with the judges' scores, and the tuner with the highest combined score will be awarded an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. The individual who nominated the grand prize winner will receive a Dodge prize package, which includes Dodge gear and a $100 gift card. The three runners-up will each receive a Dodge prize package, which includes Dodge gear and a subscription to Mopar magazine.

"The four finalists in the 'Are You Tuned Out' contest represent the millions of gearheads who live, breath and dream about vehicles everyday," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Jeep®, Truck, Advance Interior and Component Design, Chrysler LLC. "With the holiday season right around the corner, we're going to award one lucky tuner a Dodge Caliber SRT4, a vehicle that comes 'performance tuned' straight from the factory, so they can spend less time in the garage working on their vehicle and more time with their friends and family."

Tuner RoadblocksWith so many people tuned into the tuning trend, Dodge launched a national surveyii and asked consumers what they considered to be the biggest roadblock to having a tuned out ride. Cost and lack of time were identified by 41 and 34 percent of tuners respectively as being the biggest challenge to getting tuned out vehicles ready for the road.

Additional survey results showed:

• Putting the Grrrr in Garage – Seventeen percent of men say the garage is their favorite place to spend time at home.
• Tuner Vision – More than half of all men (63 percent) and more than one in three women (34 percent) say they are tuned in to cars and trucks.
• Date Night vs. Drag Night – Twenty-two percent of women and 16 percent of men would rather spend an evening without their significant other rather than have to give up their vehicle for the same night.

Tune In to the Are You Tuned Out ContestBetween Oct. 24 and Nov. 15, consumers were invited to nominate themselves, their significant other, friends or family for a chance to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. During the registration process, participants were asked to submit a 250-word essay answering the questions, "Why are you or your significant other tuned out?" and "How will winning an all-new Dodge Caliber SRT4 help you or your significant other tune back in?" An independent panel of judges reviewed all of the entries and the four contestants who received the highest scores were named finalists.

About the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is for the enthusiast who wants the all-around performance of a true "tuner car" right from the manufacturer. Powered by a turbocharged engine producing 285 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 has 70 more horsepower than the original SRT. Priced at $22,995, which includes $560 destination, and a 0 – 60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 once again delivers the SRT mission of benchmark performance at the lowest price.

About the Dodge BrandWith a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.

Where can you find more trucks than you could shake a stick at? Texas, of course.

Dakota saddled up and came out on top of the competition during three days of grueling on- and off-road action in the Texas Auto Writers Association's (TAWA) annual Texas Truck Rodeo. TAWA named Dakota crew cab TRX4 4x4 as the Top Mid-Size Pickup Truck at the event, in which eligible trucks and SUVs are put through the paces and evaluated by almost 50 automotive journalists in areas like styling, capability, value, and fuel efficiency.

With its 3.7-liter Magnum® V6 engine and 4x4 expertise, Dakota TRX4 outshined the rest of the mid-sized entries on a rigorous course that combined on-road driving with challenging off-road hills, ruts, mud bogs and the like.

Founded by automotive journalists in 1985, TAWA works to promote multi-media awareness of the automobile industry. The Texas Truck Rodeo was established by the group in 1992 in an effort to create a uniquely Texan automotive event.

It's clear that Texas – like Dodge – takes trucks seriously.

The Dakota TRX4 Off-road Group includes antispin differential, upgraded 3.92 axle ratio (with automatic transmission only), TRX4 Off-road decals on the cargo box, available front and rear rubber floor mats, and special 16" cast-aluminum off-road wheels with Rugged Trail tires. The 3.7-liter Magnum® V6 engine features Electronic Throttle Control for positive throttle response and exhaust gas recirculation to help lower emissions. And Dakota hooks you up with best in class maximum available towing capability—up to 7.050 lbs. when properly equipped.

In his BusinessWeek.com review, “America’s Best Small Pickup,” Thane Peterson writes, “For buyers who want the maneuverability of a small pickup combined with big-truck towing capacity, seating for up to six people, and a powerful V8 engine, the new Dakota may be the best small pickup on the market.”

The redesigned Dakota features a new V8 engine and suspension that make it outperform other small pickups. “It handles like a little guy but does the job of a giant,” writes Peterson.

New for 2008 is a “4.7-liter, 302-horsepower V8, the only V8 available in this class of pickup,” writes Peterson. “The engine has 31% more horsepower and 13% more torque than the Dakota's previous V8—while also being more fuel-efficient.”

Not only does the new Dakota boast efficient power, it has the suspension to handle it. “The '08 Dakota really does drive like a car,” writes Peterson. “Boy is the ride smooth, both on the highway and in town.”

Power and suspension also combine to make Dakota more than capable when it comes to towing and payload. Dakota has the highest maximum available towing capacity in its class – 7,050 lbs. – and the most standard payload in its class. Dakota Extended Cab also features the longest standard cargo bed in its class – 78 inches.

Inside, Dakota's Crew Cab boasts the most overall interior room in its class – 37.1 cubic ft. – and that means even rear passengers have plenty of legroom. “The Dodge's advantage is in its rear seats, where leg space is rated at 36.4 inches,” writes Peterson.

The rear of the cab also features the Crate ‘N Go™ storage system, which Peterson calls “ingenious.” The system features removable, collapsible crates that are accessed by folding up the rear seat. They can be used for storing and carrying groceries and other small items.

Moving up front, the new center console has a special flip-out bin for electronics, integrated cup holders, and space for CD's or other items. Another convenient storage feature is a bin above the glove box.

The bottom line, Peterson writes, is that “the Dakota is for buyers who want a little more size, power, and roominess. It's ideal if you want to trade down from a full-size pickup but are reluctant to go with a genuine compact.”

In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, ABC's Emmy® Award-winning talk and entertainment program "The View" and the Dodge brand have partnered for the "Caroling for a Caravan" contest kicking-off November 6. The contest will be promoted on-air and online at ABC.com (keyword: theview) through November 18, and features the All-New 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan as the grand prize.

The contest requires viewers to gather their friends or family members and produce their own thirty-second video singing one of four classic holiday carols: "Deck the Halls," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Twelve Days of Christmas" or "Jingle Bells." Every submission must include 10 key words about "The View" and the all-new 2008 Dodge Caravan. Those words are: The View, Whoopi, Joy, Elisabeth, Sherri, Barbara, Five Star Rating, Stow and Go®, Swivel and Go™, Backseat TV and Dodge Grand Caravan.

A total of four grand-prize winners will be selected to perform their original holiday carol on "The View" and will receive the All-New 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Contest rules and entry information can be found on "The View" website abc.com (keyword: the view).

With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest feature, the Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.

"The View" airs Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET, on the ABC Television Network. "The View" features Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. It's the original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues and share their no-holds-barred opinions and engage in colorful conversations. Since its launch, "The View" has received 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Talk Show. The show has received numerous nominations, including ten consecutive nominations for Outstanding Daytime Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Host. "The View" is seen live weekdays (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET; CLOSED-CAPTIONED; in stereo, TV-14) on ABC. Visit "The View" on the Web at ABC.com (keyword: theview). The program is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound).

"The View" is produced by ABC Daytime and Ms. Walters' Barwall Productions, with Ms. Walters serving as executive producer along with Bill Geddie, who also serves as executive producer for "The Barbara Walters Specials."

ABC Daytime Media Relations: Karl T. Nilsson (212) 456-7955, karl.t.nilsson@abc.comCarrie McElwee, Dodge, (248) 512-2664, cm63@chrysler.com.

Grand Prize-Winning Teams Win Family Vacation

• Dodge challenged teams in Charlotte and Minneapolis to test their packing skills as nearly 80 percent of families prepare to hit the road this upcoming holiday season
• Travel expert, Susan Foster, provided packing tips to relieve holiday traveling stress

Auburn Hills, MI

With nearly 80 percent of families planning to drive for their next holiday vacation , the Jerry Jones, Jr. family from Clemmons, N.C. and the Lonna Schindler family from Andover, Minn. beat out over 30 other teams to win their own ultimate family road trips in the “Dodge VANtastic Holiday Voyage” challenges held in Charlotte, N.C. on Nov. 8 and in Minneapolis, Minn. on Nov. 13.

The Jones and Schindler families proved to be the most efficient and strategic teams in the fast-paced competitions as they packed over 60 pre-determined items typically needed for a family road trip into an all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan in under three minutes. Each family won the grand prize of $5,000 in vacation expenses and the use of a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan for their travels.

“The Jones and Schindler teams did a wonderful job utilizing all the built-in storage compartments in the Grand Caravan,” said Dodge Spokesperson Carrie McElwee. “We knew the team that did their homework on the Grand Caravan and could use the utility and flexibility of the features to the fullest would be the winners, and they really hit the mark.”

The Jones team consisted of Jerry Jones, Jr., Patricia Jones, Kathryn Jones Carlin and Daniel Jones, while the Minneapolis winning team , the Schindler’s, included Lonna, Don, Dustin, 13; and Brandon, 12. They are considering using the $5,000 and Dodge Grand Caravan to travel to Disneyworld and The North Shore, respectively, in the next year.

Dodge created the competition after a national survey revealed that 25 percent of Americans experience stress on a family road trip related to packing the car. Dodge also partnered with packing and travel expert, Susan Foster, to offer simple tips families can follow to avoid potential road trip disasters.

Foster’s tips include using soft-sided bags that are more manageable than rigid rectangular suitcases, deciding where things go based on when they may be needed, and packing the car ahead of time to avoid the stress of leaving later than planned.

The two “Dodge VANtastic Holiday Voyage” challenges were created in conjunction with the launch of the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, a virtual family room on wheels. Teams residing within a 150 mile radius of Charlotte or Minneapolis entered online and wrote short essays describing how their family travels would be made more enjoyable with the use of a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Even though only two families won the grand prize, all teams took home a Dodge prize pack consisting of a travel cooler, water bottles, T-shirts and multiple family games for their own future road trip travels.

Susan Foster’s travel tips can be found on www.dodgevantasticholidayvoyage.com.

About the Dodge Grand Caravan
As the first to introduce the modern minivan in 1984 and with more than 12 million minivans sold, Dodge has revolutionized the traditional family road trip. The all-new 2008 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 Mobile, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network Mobile.

Plan to Drive for Next Family Vacation

Auburn Hills, Mich. — Nearly eight in 10 Americans (77%) plan to drive for their next family vacation — according to a Dodge brand national survey. Dodge commissioned the survey to provide insight into how Americans deal with family road trips and to help prepare families for upcoming holiday travel.

The survey revealed comfort, convenience and fun are important to families when they hit the road together so Susan Foster, recognized travel expert and author, teamed with Dodge to offer these simple tips families can follow to avoid potential road trip disasters and focus on quality family time when traveling this holiday season:

Taking it on the Road.
According to the survey, 77 percent of Americans say they plan to drive for their next family vacation, compared to 8 percent who plan to fly. Part of the appeal of driving is the extra luggage and gear you can bring on your trip. Many of today's vehicles, such as the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, have innovative storage areas that give travelers more packing flexibility than ever before. When packing the vehicle, gather everything in one area and edit to fit. Soft-sided bags often squish in more easily than rigid rectangular suitcases.

Pack it Up.
One in four Americans (25%) have experienced stress on a family road trip related to packing the car.

• Eliminate packing stress by working in advance of the trip to prep your vehicle.

• Decide where things should go based on when they are needed – last in, first out. Use storage bins inside the vehicle to pack the clothes you're going to travel home in, but don't include items you need access to first while driving, such as the kids' stuffed animals they may want on the drive or the book you want to start.

Stressed to the Max.
However fun a road trip may be, nearly six in 10 (59%) Americans have experienced stress before or during an extended family car trip. The most common stress inducers are boredom or lack of entertainment (30%).

Minimize the "Are we there yet?" question. The best way to combat boredom is having a combination of activities at your fingertips. Entertainment features such as DVD players, satellite radio and SIRIUS Backseat TV™ have changed the modern American road trip. Classic family games also are great ways to supplement – playing cards or travel board games, looking for license plates from different states, telling jokes or counting cars of a specific color.

Control Craze.
One in three Americans (33%) say that his/her reason to drive rather than fly this holiday season is to maintain control of the trip, including to have the ability to decide when to stop or to go sightseeing. When on the road, three-quarters of Americans (75%) say they enjoy being able to see different parts of the country.

Enjoying the journey – not just the destination – is a definite advantage of car travel. Choosing a vehicle that has a navigation system is an easy way to chart your itinerary, including stops at places of interest, instead of just rest stops. History and geography become real when kids see the country for themselves. Choosing a different route for the return home keeps interest for the entire trip.

"Today's families are on the move, and the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is purpose-built to serve their everyday needs," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck, Advance Interior and Component Design, Chrysler. "With new features such as the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system, dual DVD entertainment system and SIRIUS Backseat TV, the Grand Caravan brings the comforts of home on the road."

• "Dodge Durango Tango" endurance dance contest lasts 27.16 hours and raises $18,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas
• Former Dallas Cowboy and reality TV dancing champion Emmitt Smith kick's off dancing contest
• One dancing devotee took the spotlight by outlasting the competition to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango

Dallas

Former Dallas Cowboy and reality TV dancing champion Emmitt Smith joined 30 daring dancers under the mirror ball to kick off the "Dodge Durango Tango" endurance dance contest at the State Fair of Texas on Thursday, Sept. 27. After more than27 hours of cutting a rug, Angela Vanhoose of Dallas, TX was the only contestant still on the dance floor and was crowned the "Durango Tango" champion, winning an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango.

For their efforts, the dancers raised $18,000 for the Boys Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. For every hour the competition lasted, the Chrysler Foundation pledged to donate $500 to the Boys Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to continue its mission to inspire and empower the youth in the local community.

"I've never done anything like this before," said Vanhoose. "By the 23rd hour, I felt my legs starting to shake, but I held on because I really wanted to win that new Dodge Durango. I kept my eyes on the prize and now I can't wait to cruise around town in my new Durango."

The Durango is no ordinary SUV and this was no ordinary dance competition. To make the "Dodge Durango Tango" different from other dance contests, each participant was paired with a life-sized doll to use as a dancing partner.

"The Dodge Durango is a bold and powerful vehicle that's packed with performance as well as best-in-class interior and cargo room, and best-in-class towing capacity and horsepower with the 5.7-liter HEMI® engine," said Mike Accavitti, Director " Dodge Brand Marketing. "Over the last 27 hours, the Durango Tango participants showed that they were also best-in-class, showing off some incredible moves and giving a great performance – proving they're just as amazing on the dance floor as the all-new 2008 Dodge Durango is on the road."

Star of the Show
To make sure the contest started off on the right foot, Smith, an ESPN analyst and NFL record-holder as well as a reality TV dancing champion, shared some of the pointers that earned him a dancing title last year and talked with contestants about their strategy for winning the contest.

"What a great competition. When Dodge invited me to be a part of the ‘Durango Tango' contest I couldn't resist," said Smith. "Those contestants went out there with their game faces on and were dancing their hearts out to win that great looking Durango. I don't know how they did it, but some of them even managed to make their dancing partners look like real dancing stars."

Although Vanhoose won the dance-off, all participants went home as winners after receiving a Dodge prize package. Additionally, the first runner-up who danced also danced for 27 hours received a $500 cash prize, while the third, fourth and fifth runners-up danced for 26.06, 25.43, and 25.17 hours respectively each received a $250 cash prize.

Contestants Stance on Dance
Dodge polled each of the contestants to learn more about why they signed up for the contest and their dancing preferences. Here's the dancing dish:

• Leader of the Pack: When contestants were asked what their favorite group dance is, the Electric Slide took the lead with 33 percent of the contestants' votes, while 27 percent said the Macarena.
• Dancing Star: Just as Smith received the most consumer votes to win the reality TV dancing title, he also won over the hearts of the Durango Tango contestants as 54 percent of the contestants said that Smith was their favorite reality TV dancing star.
• Dance Fever: Nearly all of the contestants 63 percent stated that dancing is one if their favorite pastimes.

About the 2008 Dodge Durango
The 2008 Dodge Durango offers the "Goldilocks effect" – not too big, not too small, but just right, for a distinctively Dodge sport-utility vehicle standing out among increasingly soft competitors. With spacious third-row seating and cargo room to spare (rare in the full-size SUV segment), the 2008 Dodge Durango offers a full range of top-end comfort and convenience features at a great value. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price on the 2008 Dodge Durango is $27,200, including destination charge. Customers who demand performance and efficiency may choose between three engines: a standard 3.7-liter V-6, a new E85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine with the Flexible-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation as well as improved fuel economy with more horsepower and torque, and a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with Chrysler LLC's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). Dodge Durango stands out with many best-in-class design elements, and isn't afraid to be different.

About the Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.

About Boys Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas
The Boys Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas began operations in 1965 as part of a national youth development movement consisting of Boys Girls Clubs of America with 4,000 local organizations that collectively serve more than 4.5 million young people. The Boys Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is an organization that stands for traditional values, while providing progressive programs that address the problems faced by the youth of today, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, gangs and violence. During the first four decades of service in Dallas, the Boys Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas have served over 100,000 members

• Record-breaking album measures 9 feet wide by 12 feet tall and requires two people to turn each page
• The album celebrates the launch of the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, featuring the exclusive Swivel 'n Go™ seating system that allows scrapbookers to "scrap 'n go"

Auburn Hills, MI

To celebrate the only minivan that allows scrapbookers to take their hobby on the long haul, the Dodge brand has broken the Guinness World Record™ for the world's largest photo album. Presented at a scrapbookers' convention in Orlando, Fla., the record-breaking album measures approximately 9 feet wide by 12 feet tall, contains 20 pages of photographs and requires at least two adults to turn a single page. The Dodge brand's album trumped the previous record, which was set in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and measured 3.9 feet wide by 7.8 feet tall.

The Dodge Minivan Page in History record-breaking event recognized the mass appeal of scrapbooking - a more than $2.6 billion industry – and the arrival of the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan in dealer showrooms. Following the official Guinness announcement, consumers, who had come to Orlando to participate in a 72-hour scrap-a-thon, helped "scrap" the record-breaking album by adding their own unique touches using oversized embellishments such as ribbons, stickers, buttons and more.

Photography in the album highlights the history of the Dodge minivan since its introduction in 1984. The album showcases the latest innovation in the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system, which 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.

"We embellished the Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new and improved features, so it made sense to invite some of the world's best scrapbookers to experience the new features of our minivan and add embellishments of their own to our giant photo album," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "In addition to being a top performer in the minivan market, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is setting the standard for storage and organization on the road. With its exclusive Swivel 'n Go™ seating system and table, the Dodge Grand Caravan converts quickly and easily into the perfect scrapbooking space for busy scrapbookers 'on the go.'"

Scrapbooking Tips, Tricks and Trends
In addition to breaking a Guinness World Record™, Dodge teamed with premier scrapbooking expert and contributing editor for Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbooks etc., Polly Maly, to share the latest tips to help everyone from novice to avid scrapbookers find time to get started or catch up on scrapbooking, stay on top of the latest ways to customize pages and identify time-saving techniques, including:

• The road of life: Scrapbooking preserves the memories from the road of life, but sometimes the road turns before you've had a chance to catch up. Don't let that road lead you astray. Stay current on your scrapbooking by taking your scrapping essentials with you in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and scrapping on the go – during soccer practice, waiting for the carpool, during ballet lessons or while on that special vacation – using the new Swivel 'n Go seating system and table.
• Inspired organization: Need some inspiration for organizing your scrapping space? Head to your local discount store and cruise the kitchen and bath storage aisles for organizational ideas, including: º Paper towel holders to hold spools of ribbon;
  º Decorative glass jars to house buttons and smaller embellishments; and
  º Utensil jars for the perfect tool caddies.
• Organize and categorize: Whether your scrap space is a corner of your dining room table or a dedicated room, organize your supplies by category. Storing all of your embellishments, stamps, paper and tools together means more time scrapping and less time hunting for your supplies as you head out to crops. Plus, for on-the-go scrappers, the new Dodge Grand Caravan has a place for everything from the innovative in-floor or overhead storage bins to the dual glove boxes to available map pockets behind the driver and front passenger seats.
• Keep your eye on the prize: When designing a scrapbook page, decide first on the theme of your page and choose photos that will visually tell the story. Then, pick one focal-point photo that reinforces your page idea. To draw the viewer's eye right where you want it, either enlarge your focal-point photo or treat it to a special position and mat it.
• Don't forget to live a little: Let yourself off the hook for being "behind" in your scrapbooking. Give yourself credit for the memories you've already preserved in a beautiful way, and just enjoy the creative outlet that will pay tribute to you, your family and friends for years to come. Treat yourself to a change of scenery or a mini-vacation by taking a road trip to a favorite scenic destination or a scrapping vacation in your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, packed with all of your scrapbooking essentials and the work-space.

About the Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is Chrysler's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S.

About the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan boasts 35 new or improved features, including the newest feature, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system that 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 Dodge Grand Caravan is the modern day "family room on wheels" with all-new exterior and interior designs that allow for a more contemporary appearance to complement its reputation for outstanding performance. The Dodge Grand Caravan has a base MSRP of $22,470, including destination charge.

• Dallas Cowboys football legend – Emmitt Smith – will put on his dancing shoes to help kick off the "Dodge Durango Tango" endurance contest on Sept. 27
• The last dancer standing will win an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango
• The Chrysler Foundation will donate $500 per hour to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas for each hour the dance-a-thon continues
• Consumers who think they can out-dance the competition can register online at www.DodgeDurangoTango.com

Auburn Hills, MI

Former Dallas Cowboy and reality TV dancing champion Emmitt Smith is teaming up with the Dodge brand to kick off the "Dodge Durango Tango" dancing endurance contest at this year's State Fair of Texas. Consumers who think they can out-dance the competition are invited to sign up online for a chance to dance the night away. The last dancer standing at the end of the competition will "tango" away with the grand prize, an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango.

While the "Durango Tango" challenge will spring into action on Sept. 27, this one-of-a-kind endurance challenge is expected to last through the night and into the morning hours of Friday, Sept. 28, opening day of the fair. To make sure the challenge starts off on the right foot, Smith will lead the "Durango Tango" contestants in a special rendition of the "Texas Tango" and will show off the moves that made him a star on the football field and the dance floor.

"Grab Your Partner"
The Durango is no ordinary SUV and this is no ordinary dance competition. In most cases, it takes two people to tango. But for this contest, each contestant will be provided with a life-sized doll to use as their dancing partner for a portion of the competition. Each contestant will be given props, costumes and accessories on-site that they can use to "dress" their dancing partner when they arrive at the "Durango Tango" challenge.

The last person dancing at the end of the "Durango Tango" challenge will be crowned the champion and awarded an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango. The first four runners-up will each receive a cash prize, and all participants will receive a special prize package filled with Dodge gear.

"To continue our tradition of kicking off the State Fair of Texas with a fun consumer event, we're inviting consumers to show off their bold moves and separate themselves from the competition during the Dodge Durango Tango challenge," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand Marketing. "Leave it to Dodge, with its 'Grab Life' mentality, to create a competition as unique and bold as the full-size Dodge Durango."

Don't Dance Around It... Sign Up Now
Individuals interested in dancing 'til they drop can register for a chance to participate in the "Dodge Durango Tango" challenge online at www.DodgeDurangoTango.com, beginning Aug. 9 at 12:01 a.m. (EDT) until Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. (EDT). All participants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license.

During registration, participants will be asked to submit a 250-word essay answering the question, "Why are your tango, twists and turns worthy of winning a new Dodge Durango?" From all the entries received, approximately 30 contestants will be selected to participate in the "Dodge Durango Tango" challenge at the State Fair of Texas, beginning on Sept. 27.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to Benefit
For each hour the contest continues, the Chrysler Foundation has pledged to donate $500 per hour (up to a maximum donation of $18,000) to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. The money will be used to continue the organization's mission to inspire and empower all youth, with special concern for those from disadvantaged circumstances, to achieve their full potential in a positive, safe and fun environment.
The State Fair of Texas officially opens to the public at 10 a.m. (CT) on Friday, Sept. 28 and closes on Sunday, Oct. 21. The fair grounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CT) daily.

About the Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.

About the 2008 Dodge Durango
The 2008 Dodge Durango sets the standard in the full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market with a bold, powerful exterior design, best-in-class interior space, superior ride comfort and a plethora of convenience features not typical in competitive models, such as two available V-8 engines – the award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, featuring Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS), and an E-85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine with the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas began operations in 1965 as part of a national youth development movement consisting of Boys & Girls Clubs of America with 4,000 local organizations that collectively serve more than 4.5 million young people. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is an organization that stands for traditional values, while providing progressive programs that address the problems faced by the youth of today, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, gangs and violence. During the first four decades of service in Dallas, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas have served over 100,000 members

Clearing room on the awards shelf seems to be a regular occurrence these days at Dodge. With the annual Consumer Guide® "Best Buy" awards for 2007, Magnum and Charger were presented this prestigious award - Consumer Guide® Automotive's highest accolade. A "Best Buy" represents the very best balance of attributes within its class.

Magnum also picked up the award in 2005 and 2006, while Charger's first win in the top category was in 2006.

In addition, Grand Caravan received a nod in the 2007 Best Buy awards' "Recommended" category, also an impressive honor to receive from Consumer Guide Automotive.

Each year the best overall values are selected in 17 model segments, ranging from inexpensive compact cars to premium luxury SUVs. The vehicle's price, features and accommodations, as well as its performance during test drives are all considered.

Consumer Guide® is a registered trademark of Publications International, Ltd.

You already know it's cool. Now you have the experts to back you up.

The Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com editors named the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber one of the top 10 coolest new vehicles under $18,000, rated by categories like performance, reliability, styling, versatility, economy, and comfort.

Run-of-the-mill compacts don't offer available features like a Chill Zone™ cooled beverage bin, illuminated front cupholders, an integrated flashlight, or Music Gate Power™ articulating rear liftgate speakers that swing down from the hatch.

Caliber does. Caliber rules.

Caliber—it's anything but cute. It's cool.

2007 Dodge Caliber Earns Top Safety Ratings in Government Crash Tests

Auburn Hills, MI

• Caliber Becomes 12th Consecutive New Chrysler Group Vehicle to Receive Five Stars for Frontal Crash Protection
• Caliber Also Earns Top Rating for Side-Impact Protection

The 2007 Dodge Caliber has received the government's highest ratings for side- and frontal impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Dodge Caliber's five-star rating for frontal crash protection makes it the 12th consecutive new product from Chrysler Group to achieve the top safety rating in the government's frontal crash tests.

In addition, Caliber received the government's highest crash ratings for protecting the driver and rear passenger in a side impact.

Dodge Caliber is equipped with many safety and security technologies including high-strength steel structure, all-wheel-drive capability, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control, standard advanced multistage driver and front passenger air bags, standard sidecurtain air bags, and a standard driver's side inflatable knee blocker. Starting with the Pacifica in 2003, Chrysler Group has recorded five stars for frontal crash protection for 12 consecutive new product launches. These vehicles include: Pacifica, Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Ram Quad, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Dakota, Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Jeep® Commander, and Dodge Caliber.

• Legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel in 6.7-liter displacement (610 lb.-ft. of torque)
• Six-speed automatic or manual transmission with Power Take Off (PTO) capability
• Largest standard fuel tank in segment (52 gallons)
• Best-in-class first-gear launch provides optimum acceleration on vehicle take-off
• Largest brake rotors in segment (390 mm)
• Largest caliper piston size in segment (66 mm)
• Life-to-overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles
• Standard diesel exhaust brake system, together with class-leading brakes and pistons, extends brake life while giving driver increased control
• Commercial-grade frame (50,000-psi steel) to maximize strength and reduce weight
• Flat, "clean" frame rail -- all chassis components below top-of-frame surface to facilitate after-market upfits or retrofits
• To ensure quality, more than 1.5 million test miles by Dodge truck engineers
• Fourteen advanced safety technologies and enhanced accident-avoidance features offered

Extending bold, tough, in-your-face Dodge Ram heritage to the Class 4 and 5 commercial market, Dodge expands its commercial presence and sets another commercial standard with the launch of the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs.

"We built the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs for heavy-duty chassis cab buyers who want a powerful, capable and versatile commercial-quality vehicle," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "With commercial performance, durability and capability, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer dominant powertrain packages, a commercial-grade upfit-friendly chassis, and bold 'big-rig' Ram styling."

Delivering maximum uptime, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are the ultimate chassis for the commercial customer looking for a dynamic, capable work-truck. Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature numerous class-leading attributes including largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), largest brake rotors (390 mm), largest caliper pistons (66 mm) and best-in-class first-gear launch for optimum acceleration on vehicle take-off.

With industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rails on a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail (50,000-psi steel), upfit-friendliness is a primary theme of the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Showcasing an unrivaled upfit-friendly design that reduces costs for body-builders and customers, all chassis components are below the frame surface assuring easy adaptability and versatility for virtually any upfit application. Offered in dual-rear-wheel models, four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer leading commercial performance with a dominant powertrain package. The standard 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel is loaded with 305 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque.

Bigger Commercial Presence Extends Dodge Truck Leadership
Expanding the Dodge Ram portfolio while building on Dodge's leadership position in the truck market, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs conquer new territory as they charge into the Class 4 and 5 chassis cab segments creating a greater commercial presence for the Dodge brand.

"The commercial vehicle market is essentially white space for the Dodge brand," said Murphy. "We will continue to fill it with bold, powerful and capable vehicles."

The Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will compete within the Class 4 and 5 segments with a gross vehicle weight range of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs. Overall industry forecasts for this range of chassis cab vehicles were 140,000 units in 2006 with growth expectations to 156,000 units by 2012. The Class 4-5 chassis cab segment is expecting further growth to 18 percent by 2015.

U.S. sales of Class 3-5 trucks grew 42 percent in 2005 to 261,627. Class 3-5 vehicles have a gross vehicle weight range between 10,001 lbs. to 19,500 lbs.

Targeted at small-business tradesmen, fleet customers and traditional chassis cab users, the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs expand on a solid commercial foundation and lineup of full-size van, minivan and body-on-frame commercial vehicles joining the Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Ram pickup, and Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo vans in the Dodge commercial vehicle lineup.

Powertrain Options Ensure Powerhouse Performance
Dominant commercial performance is assured with the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs as commercial customer specialty needs are met with superior capability, durability and performance.

"Delivering premium commercial performance, capability and durability, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer the segment's most potent powertrain combinations in work trucks that get the job done," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President -- Body-on-frame Product Team.

Maintaining its reign at the top of the heavy-duty diesel pickup segment, the standard Cummins engine generates 305 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm. The legendary engine also delivers superior fuel economy while ensuring durability and low cost of ownership for the commercial customer.

Providing superior trailer towing, acceleration, throttle response and drivability, the 6.7-liter engine is not only more powerful, it's also cleaner with B5 biodiesel compatibility and a reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxide (NOx) that comply with the 50-state 2007 heavy-duty emission standards. As durable as it is powerful, the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine also has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles.

Completing the dynamic powertrain package, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer a six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take Off (PTO) capability or a six-speed manual transmission with PTO capability. An available electronic-shift transfer case is offered and a factory-installed exhaust brake contributes to both safety and superior brake life.

"Job Rated" Commercial-grade Chassis with Superior Suspension System
The Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs lineup of 4x2, 4x4, dual-rear-wheel, regular and Quad Cab models are "Job-rated," meaning they are designed, engineered, tested and built to meet the rigid standards of commercial truck buyers.

Armed with Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's superior suspension system, beefed up even more for commercial applications, Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs provide expanded capability and durability with a commercial-grade chassis mated to a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail (50,000 psi steel).

Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models feature a recirculating ball system that provides precise response and an on-center steering feel through lower internal friction. Improved power steering lines contribute to the delivery of precise feel and response for better handling. Featuring solid-beam front and rear axles, and a five-link, coil-spring front suspension with beam axle, a front and rear link-type sway bar and heavy-duty tubular shock absorbers are standard.

The rear suspension on two- and four-wheel-drive models is equipped with leaf springs and includes standard two-stage springs as part of the spring design for greater load-carrying capability.

Four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available. Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for 4500 models is 16,500. For 5500 models, the maximum GVWR is 19,500 lbs. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for both 4500 and 5500 models is 26,000 lbs.

The standard diesel exhaust brake system, together with class-leading brakes and pistons, provides extended brake life and increased driver control while contributing to enhanced safety performance. Standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensure superior safety and crash-avoidance capability.

Unmatched Versatility and Upfit-Friendliness
Meeting all cab-axle and industry upfitter specifications, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs bring unmatched versatility and upfit-friendliness with an enhanced commercial-grade, user-friendly chassis to the Class 4 and 5 chassis segments. Flat, "clean" frame rails with industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing provide versatility for virtually any upfit application. All chassis components are below the frame surface to facilitate after-market upfits or retrofits.

Bolt-on and riveted-on exhaust hanger brackets provide increased upfitter flexibility, and riveted cross-members behind the cab allow for easier modification. The one-piece C-channel frame, shear plate or u-bolt access along the length of the frame, and shear plate mounting locations identified along the frame contribute to the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs' upfitter friendliness.

The fuel filler is routed through the frame and an optional mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are routed together on the frame's left side to make better use of space along the frame, which also has clearance for rear-exhaust routing.

Electrical connections are user-friendly thanks to three-fused battery feeds routed into the cab and on to the rear of the chassis. A high-current 50-amp ground stud is located at the rear of the frame. Upfitter wire circuits and electrical schematics are identified in the body builder guide.

Together, these unique upfit-friendly enhancements provide a streamline assembly process that reduces costs for upfitters, second-stage manufacturers and customers.

Bold, Tough, Dodge Design
Conveying commercial power and vigor, along with instantly recognizable, unmistakable bold Ram styling and design, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs stand out in the Class 4-5 chassis cab segments.

Robust and loaded with a "big-truck" look and feel, its enormous crosshair grille and large headlamps are the dominant focal point of a vehicle that retains the most recognizable design signature of any mid-size truck on the market.

Reinforced by an equally bold hood and fender combination, the dynamic front appearance is anchored by twin, large 7- x 10-inch trailer tow mirrors as standard. Beneath each fender are 19.5-inch wheels. The Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are available in three trim lines: ST, SLT and Laramie.

Comfortable and Convenient Interiors
The 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs successfully blend full-size interior comfort with commercial convenience. Showcasing an easy-to-navigate instrument panel cluster, the user-friendly wide center stack contains air conditioning, heating, ventilation and audio system controls. Comfortable, oversized seats, including available bucket seats with leather trim, provide relaxing support while adding both a rich appearance and upscale atmosphere to a commercial truck.

Quad Cab models provide seating for six passengers and are equipped with four standard doors and 60/40 folding rear seats. Demonstrating interior functionality and capability, seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling. An optional floor section under the back seat folds open to form a flat-load floor with additional storage in each of the foot wells.

Delivering just as much versatility and flexibility, regular cab models provide generous storage behind the rear seat and allow for considerable travel use and ease in reclining for both driver and passengers.

More Than 1.5 Million Test Miles Logged by Dodge Truck Engineers
Commercial customers expect to put their trucks to work and get exceptional performance, capability and durability. In placing an extraordinary emphasis on quality, heavy-duty results were achieved as the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs take full advantage of modern technology and deliver quality by the ton with more than 1.5 million customer-equivalent miles logged by Dodge Truck engineers during the vehicle's development.

All-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs Safety and Security Features
The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs provide commercial vehicle customers the highest level of safety and security technology.

Following is a list of safety and security features found in the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs:

• BeltAlert — Enhanced seat belt reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up
• Child-Protection Rear-door Locks — Allow customers to disable the rear-door, inside-release handle. A small lever on the door-shut face operates this feature
• Constant Force Retractors (CFR) — Front outboard seat belts include a mechanical device designed to distribute the force of a seat belt according to the load of force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system, and gradually release seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during an impact
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column — Steering column utilizes two coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) — In the event of an impact, this system makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment
• Four-wheel Anti-lock-brake System (ABS) — Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
• Integrated Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter and Ignition Key — The remote keyless entry locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
• Knee Bolsters — The steering column lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are reinforced to further protect occupants during frontal impacts. They both restrain and position the occupant properly and enable air bags to work effectively
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) — This system helps ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
• Multi-stage Air Bag System — Offering enhanced protection, this system is designed to deploy based on the severity of an impact
• Security Alarm — Arms and disarms alarm feature through remote control, flashes lights and sounds horn upon unauthorized entry
• Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer Theft Deterrent System — This utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security key code. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If the correct key is not used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds
• Three-point Seat Belts — Front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions in the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs have lap and shoulder belts

Balanced Production Thanks to Flexible Manufacturing Process
The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will be built at Chrysler Group's Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. One of the company's most flexible plants, the Saltillo Plant -- which also produces the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon, and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models -- takes on production of the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs as part of the company's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS).

The FMS approach allows the company to not only balance production with demand, but to also efficiently build low-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niches, and to quickly shift production volumes between different models within a single plant or among multiple plants.

"FMS is a key enabler in our ability to bring the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs to market," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President Manufacturing. "It not only allows us to produce a high-quality product, but to do so faster and at a lower cost."

For production of the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, Chrysler Group recently invested an additional $48 million into the plant, which follows a $210 million investment in 2005 for production of the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Enlarging the facility by 120,000 square feet enables the plant to produce commercial vehicles and accommodate new frame configurations. In addition, the expansion increases production capacity and enables the plant to manage the added complexity of the Dodge Ram 4500/5500's all-new commercial-grade chassis and suspensions, including two cab-axle lengths, regular and Quad Cab versions, 4x2 and 4x4 variants, and single- and dual-rear-wheel models.

The Saltillo Assembly Plant has 2,100 employees working on two shifts and is one of five Chrysler Group production facilities in Mexico.

Dodge Commercial Vehicles
As part of DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Dodge continues to increase the breadth of its commercial products and offers a comprehensive array of vehicles and services designed with business customers in mind. Along with the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs -- the Class 3-5 segments' most powerful, capable and upfit-friendly work trucks -- Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo vans complement a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the class-leading Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace.

Dodge BusinessLink
Launched in 1999 and offering no-cost enrollment, Dodge BusinessLink is a full-service commercial program comprised of a select network of Dodge dealers who know and understand the unique vehicle needs of small businesses, fleet managers and other commercial vehicle customers. Providing exclusive benefits, BusinessLink dealers offer unprecedented business assistance including dedicated commercial account managers and sales teams, dealer inventories representing a higher mix of work-truck and other commercial vehicles, next-day service and technicians, extended hours to minimize downtime, free loaner vehicles and more. BusinessLink also includes our "On The Job" program which offers discounts on upfits and direct cash incentives and savings on almost all Dodge commercial vehicles.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments.

Nearly 35 years later, Dodge Challenger returns as the ultimate modern American muscle coupe

• Unprecedented public response to Challenger concept leads to "green light" decision for production
• Another chapter in Chrysler Group's concept-to-production success story

Daytona Beach, FL

Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda today announced that Dodge Challenger will return to production after a nearly 35-year hiatus. The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008.

The announcement was made shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Driving out with the Dodge Challenger was Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.

"We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," said LaSorda. "But it's easy to see what people like about the Dodge Challenger. It's bold, powerful and capable. It's a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars, and sets a new standard for pure 'pony car' performance."

The Dodge Challenger will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body style that distinguished the iconic Challengers of the 1970s.

"We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said LaSorda. "It's not just a re-creation; it's a reinterpretation."

Dodge's "Pony Car" in the 1970s
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared the "E-body" platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger's wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space.

The Dodge Challenger was originally offered as either a two-door hardtop or convertible. And, befitting the brand's performance heritage, the Dodge Challenger also went racing in its first year, competing most notably in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am series and National Hot Rod Association's Pro Stock class.

Although it was produced only from 1970 to 1974, the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original "pony cars," with meticulously restored or rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

In its first year, Dodge Challenger was offered in a limited-edition T/A (for Trans-Am) model to meet homologation requirements for SCCA Trans-Am racing. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500 race. New front-end styling in 1972 featured a larger, "egg-crate" grille. In April 1974, Challenger production ceased. Over a five-year span, approximately 188,600 Dodge Challengers were sold.

The Dodge Challenger is another chapter in Chrysler Group's long history of bringing concepts to production, with vehicles such as the Dodge Viper, Plymouth Prowler, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Jeep® Compass.

"Our product development system allows us to quickly turn concepts into high-quality production vehicles," said Eric Ridenour. "We're justifiably proud of our speed to market, and Dodge Challenger is the latest example of our focus on getting gotta-have-it vehicles to our customers."

Dodge Brand
With 1.4 million vehicles sold globally in 2005, Dodge is the No. 5 nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. Overall, Dodge has a 7 percent market share in the United States. In the minivan market, Dodge has a 22 percent market share; in the truck market, 16 percent; and 5 percent of the car market.

This year, Dodge Caliber paved the way for international expansion of the brand. Hot on the heels of Caliber are the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro, Caliber SRT4 and a D-segment vehicle.

• Fathers and their children kicked off Father's Day weekend by competing in the "Dodge Magnum Big Red Wagon" challenge
• Richard Dale of Waretown, N.J. completed the obstacle course with the highest score and won two new sets of red wheels – a 2007 Dodge Magnum for dad and a little red wagon for his children
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia received $5,000 for the positive impact they have on children

Philadelphia

Dads vying to receive more than a tie for Father's Day kicked off the holiday weekend by competing in a dad-themed obstacle course challenge. Donning oversized neckties and grilling aprons, 15 fathers from Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia were able to test their super dad skills in a series of activities for the chance to win the ultimate Father's Day present -- a new 2007 Dodge Magnum big red wagon for dad and a little red wagon for the kids.

From flipping burgers on a 345 horsepower HEMI® grill and racing down a giant playground slide to revving up the engine of a remote control race car, the dads went head to head in the "Dodge Magnum Big Red Wagon" challenge to see who could score the most points and complete the challenge in the shortest amount of time.

The Father's Day inspired challenge was created after a recent Dodge brand survey revealed that 68 percent of fathers had a little red wagon when they were children and one in three dads said they would most like to receive a new car for Father's Day.

Holding signs of support and homemade Father's Day crowns, dozens of children raced up and down the sidelines of the five station obstacle course cheering on their fathers. At the end of the challenge, six-year-old Richie and four-year-old Ryan of Waretown, N.J., ran up to their dad and revealed that he had scored the most points and was the winner of "Dodge Magnum Big Red Wagon" challenge. As the winning team, the Dales received a new 2007 Dodge Magnum R/T with a 5.7-liter HEMI® engine for dad, and remote control Dodge Magnums and little red wagon for the kids.

"The obstacle course was a great way to spend the day with my boys." said Dale. "I've never received anything like this for Father's Day before and can't wait to get home to my wife Cindy and daughter Payton so our whole family can share in the excitement of our new Dodge Magnum."

Dale and his sons were cheered on by Dale's sister Maureen and her 12-year-old son Matt during the Father's Day Challenge. His wife Cindy stayed at home with their one-year-old daughter and couldn't believe the news when the call came in.

"I just kept saying 'no way, you're kidding' when Maureen called and told me he won," said Cindy. "Richard is a wonderful father and we're all going to remember this Father's Day for many years to come."

Although the Dales won the challenge, all participants went home as winners, receiving a Radio Flyer little red wagon, Dodge tool kit, car wash kit, HEMI® barbecue sauce and more. In addition, the event also raised $5,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia for the positive impact they have on children.

"After our survey revealed that dads loved red wagons, new cars and spending time with their children, we created a Father's Day inspired challenge that would allow us to make those dreams come true," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communications. "We've enjoyed kicking off Father's Day weekend with all of these great dads and are very excited to give the Dales a safe and stylish family vehicle to transport their family."

Fathers and their children registered online at www.DodgeMagnumBigRedWagon.com for the chance to compete in the "Dodge Magnum Big Red Wagon" obstacle course. Participants submitted a 250-word essay answering the following questions – "Why would winning a Dodge Magnum be the ultimate Father's Day gift; and how would a new Dodge Magnum help you be a better dad?" More than 300 teams entered the contest and 15 teams were selected to compete for the grand prize.

Obstacle Course Stations
The "Dodge Magnum Big Red Wagon" challenge consisted of five "dad-tastic" obstacle course stations:

• Station 1: Backyard BBQ – With 71 percent of Americans agreeing: it isn't Father's Day without a backyard barbecue! Dads donned their grilling duds – right down to the puffy chef hats – and competed to flip the most burgers on a giant HEMI powered grill, which can cook 240 hotdogs in 3 minutes

• Station 2: Playground Showdown – Dads had to wear a barbecue apron and oversized necktie while racing down an giant playground slide

• Station 3: Fast-Packin' Papas – Dads have an uncanny knack for packing the family vehicle with everything a family needs for a road trip. At this station, dads proved their packing prowess by loading up a vehicle with oversized toys, BBQ gear and more in 60 seconds

• Station 4: Dad Steers Best – Dads are always there to put new toys together and pop in the batteries. The only problem is trying to get the toys out of their hands afterwards! To give in to dads' desire to play, each dad had to show off his remote control driving skills on a miniature speedway

• Station 5: Pitch Perfect – Dad cheers the loudest at the Little League games and he always makes time to throw the ball around on a sunny Saturday afternoon. In honor of America's favorite pastime, each dad dressed up in baseball gear and competed to throw the perfect pitch

2007 Dodge Magnum
The 2007 Dodge Magnum is a stylish alternative for consumers who want the comfort and performance of a car, and the capability and image of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV), without sacrificing everyday functionality. Magnum offers a bold, unique profile; exceptional versatility; and rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive performance. Nothing else is like it on the road.

Fortified with integrated safety and security features, the 2007 Dodge Magnum provides outstanding occupant protection on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Dodge Magnum a five-star rating for driver and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest rating in the U.S. government's safety crash-test program.

About the Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of approximately 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of PhiladelphiaThe Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia is a founding member of a national youth development movement consisting of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and 4,000 local organizations that collectively serve more than 4.5 million young people. Serving Philadelphia with quality out-of-school-time programs since 1887, the Clubs' mission is to help youth, particularly those who need them most, develop the qualities and skills they need to become responsible citizens and leaders.

Having recently proven itself in the American Le Mans Series with an undefeated season, Dodge Viper GTS-R proudly claims the title of thoroughbred racer. The Viper GTS-R Concept Vehicle explores the idea of bringing that race-ready handling and performance to the street.

The Viper GTS-R street racer is lower and lighter than ever, and every detail has been reworked for maximum functionality. Viper GTS-R's airflow is fully adjustable by the driver with an electronically controlled front splitter, a large rear air diffuser and a rear hoop spoiler with an electronically trimmable wing.

To further blur the boundaries between racer and road car, Dodge engineers managed to tweak a little more power out of Viper's outrageous 8.0-liter V10. With dry-sump technology, it now produces 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque - up from 450 and 490, respectively.

That's enough extra get-up-and-go-power to take the Dodge Viper GTS-R Concept Vehicle from 0-60 in 3.75 seconds (est.), with a top speed coming in at over 200 miles per hour!

Key Features:

• Lightweight carbon fiber body
• Modified space frame & suspension
• Larger, racing tuned brakes
• 19-inch front/20-inch rear tires
• Chassis lowered 2 inches
• Sill-to-roof height 1.5 inches lower
• Lower hood with larger grille opening and integrated engine louvers
• Larger, snake-eye-inspired headlights, designed for endurance racing
• Electronically trimmed front splitter
• Larger rear air diffuser
• Larger rear hoop spoiler with electronically trimmed rear wing
• Larger doors for improved ingress/egress
• Racing-inspired interior decor
• Built-in fire suppression system

The Dodge Razor™ concept car embodies the purest of sports coupe design: aspirational, emotional and inspirational. Through efficient design, Dodge Razor cuts right to what is vital for enhanced driving pleasure. A sprint to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, top speed greater than 140 miles per hour, a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and an engine displacement of 2.4 liters. These specifications can only mean one thing -- less weight, more fun.

"Dodge Razor has a simple shape with every line offering an abundance of emotion and purpose," said Akino Tsuchiya, who developed the exterior with Kevin Verduyn. "Razor's dramatic proportions scream 'I'm bold, I'm powerful, I'm Dodge'. The in-your-face 'Orange Slice' body color reflects the same attitude." Adds Verduyn: "Working off an all-new platform, we could create extreme proportions. The long hood, high sills, wide body, narrow greenhouse and low center of gravity all indicate secure, protective performance."

True to minimalist form, Dodge Razor's only ornamentations are the chrome bumpers, the racing-style billet-aluminum gas cap, the classic door handles and mirrors and the jewel-like lamp design. "This project really is about the power of purpose and purity," said Verduyn.

The same holds true for the interior. It offers the necessities for driving, nothing more. No power windows or mirrors, no radio or leather power seats, no frills whatsoever. Dodge Razor offers its two occupants lightweight, competition-style seats, four-point racing harnesses, storage behind their seats and the pure joy of driving.

The Dodge Razor's instrument cluster has an integrated tachometer/speedometer with analog reading of the revs and a digital read-out of the speed. Easy-to-read gauges for temperature/oil pressure and fuel/battery flank this compact unit. The interior is finished in body color and extruded aluminum. "We feel passionate about keeping it simple and honest," said interior designer John Sodano. "Razor has a focused driver's interior, enhancing the experience of raw power as only a sports car can."

Searching for a name that reflected the car's energy and attitude, the Chrysler Group approached Razor USA to form a licensing partnership with the trendsetting and youthful Razor™ brand. "We are proud to join forces with the Chrysler Group on a car that complements Razor's lineup of youthful, high-tech products," said Carlton Calvin, president of Razor USA LLC. "The Razor philosophy is about revolutionizing classic products with beautiful design and technological innovation and we are thrilled to see a similar philosophy reflected in the Dodge Razor."

Dodge has expanded the landscape of hybrid vehicles with the Dodge PowerBox concept car. This SUV/Truck combination goes one step further than other hybrids by including an advanced powertrain more gentle on the environment than its brawny looks would make you believe.

The rugged sport-utility concept provides the performance of a powerful V8 engine, but achieves 60 percent better fuel efficiency than a comparable SUV, with near-zero emissions. It accomplishes this through a combination of a supercharged V6 engine that runs on clean compressed natural gas (CNG) and an electric motor that provides added power for acceleration and passing.

Compared with a conventional Dodge Durango, the PowerBox is projected to achieve 25 mpg resulting in a 60 percent increase in fuel economy without sacrificing horsepower. More astounding than the fuel economy might be how this big vehicle moves off the line: 0-60 in about 7 seconds. That's performance you would expect on a sports car not an SUV.

It's been more than 30 years since Dodge ruled the streets with HEMI® power and rear-wheel-drive performance. Dodge has unleashed that power in an all-new proportion with the introduction of its 2003 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle.

"Dodge Magnum is the new shape of American muscle," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "With its innovative packaging, performance and utility, there's nothing else like it. While Chrysler Pacifica is the premium sports tourer, Dodge Magnum is the performance sports tourer that packs a powerful punch and the functionality of an all-wheel drive sport utility. Armed with a HEMI inside and rear-wheel-drive, Dodge Magnum delivers power in a package that offers unmatched flexibility and versatility."

While the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 is a concept vehicle, it provides a strong hint at the first version of Chrysler Group's much-anticipated next-generation of rear-wheel drive "LX" vehicles. A production version similar to the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle will go on sale in 2004 under the Magnum name.

SUPERCHARGED HEMI - A New Era
The legendary HEMI engine that powered Dodge's muscle cars of the 1960s has been re-engineered and reborn. The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle features a supercharged version of the 5.7-liter HEMI. While the normally-aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI now used in the Dodge Ram churns out 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque, the addition of the Whipple supercharger pumps up the 5.7-liter HEMI to an estimated 430 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. This provides heart-stopping acceleration, with the unique combination of maximum power at low rpms for driveability and ultra-high efficiency for top-end horsepower. Just squeeze the throttle and the engine will respond immediately, from idle to redline.

REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE PERFORMANCE
Dodge brings back rear-wheel-drive to transfer all this power to the pavement through an all-new independent five-bar rear-drive layout. The Magnum powertrain and suspension system work together for a precise balance of performance and handling, making optimum use of all four tire contact patches. For ultimate power distribution, an all-wheel drive version of the production Dodge Magnum also will be available.

Technologies such as electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brake systems also have reached new levels of advancement to control rear-drive cars to the point where such systems are transparent to the driver. Tire technology utilizing silica sand further enhances traction in all weather conditions.

CONTAGIOUS TECHNOLOGY
Although Chrysler Group had already decided before the merger that the next generation of premium vehicles would be rear-wheel-drive; the 1998 merger with Daimler Benz has afforded Chrysler Group a great portfolio of technology and components. For example, Mercedes is the leader in stability control systems, and spreading that technology across a higher volume will result in reduced per unit costs and high quality at the same time. The production version of the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 will use adapted Mercedes components, including the five-speed automatic transmission, steering and front suspension system, seat structures and electronic architecture. Additionally, Dodge Magnum will use five-link rear suspension architecture based on adapted Mercedes-Benz technology.

COMING SOON
"In terms of performance, design and function, the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept will leave its mark as one of the coolest vehicles on the road," said Zetsche. "It is aimed squarely at the next wave of automotive enthusiasts looking for passionate performance, an all-new proportion and a vehicle you can use for just about anything."

Additional features include:

• Electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®
• Dual exhaust
• Navigation system
• Racing-style milled aluminum pedals with Dodge Viper hole pattern
• "Extreme access" liftgate
• Cargo volume of 27.0 cu.ft.
• Traction control
• Electronic stability control
• Navigation radio with integrated six-disc CD changer

Dodge engineers have accomplished what seemed to be the impossible by creating a truck that makes passengers a priority.

One gaze at this powerful concept vehicle from Dodge and you'll realize that it's different. Dodge MAXXcab turns the traditional upside down by providing plenty of comfort. You might even call it a Passenger Priority Pick-up. We do. After all, MAXXcab utilizes cab-forward design to provide uncommon interior spaciousness, and can accommodate kids with three built-in child safety seats.

With all the interior comforts we didn't forget about the cargo aspect. The 4.7-liter V8 engine has all the horsepower and torque that a Dodge enthusiast demands - 238 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque, to be exact, meaning MAXXcab has the power to pull the heaviest of loads. Plus, to make loading and unloading easier, the MAXXcab features an elevator tailgate.

The Dodge MAXXcab concept vehicle provides a different approach to the traditional pickup, because at Dodge, different is what we're all about.

Key Features:

• Cab Forward Design improves interior volume and creates a "SemiTruck" appearance
• Integrated steps support the importance of passengers
• Power child safety seat in the middle of the back row makes access easier
• Overhead camera allows the driver to monitor the kids
• Edu-tainment center includes Internet, a sketch pad and DVD player
• Infotronic system includes a plug-n-play laptop computer, e-mail, Internet and voice recognition for phone, navigation, laptop functions and vehicle diagnostics
• Butane Blue Pearl exterior with Navy leather seats and trim

The Dodge M80 is a small, affordable truck with a design loaded with character and intrinsic value. Minimalist, new, neat design details are abundant as stand-out design elements include the satin-stainless steel-look signature Dodge-crosshair grille and headlamp surrounds, classic round lamps and the metallic slate-gray, molded-in-color PET-plastic fenders and bumpers with integrated tow-hooks. With its 'just-right' size, 'surf-to-snow' capability and authentic 'job-rated' Dodge Truck power, the Dodge M80 will exceed the needs of tomorrow's compact pick-up truck customer.

In profile, M80 offers simple, chiseled lines enhanced by the fender vent vanes, push-button door handles, integrated PET-plastic side-storage lockers, dual spin-off fuel-filler caps in satin-stainless steel-look and stamped-steel 20" wheels. The useful five-foot bed is protected by a durable PET-plastic liner and bulkhead and incorporates myriad tie-down cleats compatible with MOPAR bike-, ski- and surfboard racks. The tailgate features 'stamped-through' lettering for the Dodge and 4x4 emblems. Oversized, performance-tuned dual exhaust pipes and jewel-like round tail lamps complete the exterior highlights.

The back of the cab features a full-width flipper-glass. According to Chrysler Group designer John Opfer: "It not only has a clean, modern design, but it is truly functional. You can easily get to your gear in the back, and if the bed is not long enough, you can open the flipper-glass and add the cabin to your load-length."

Dodge M80's interior was designed by Jeff Gale, who expanded upon Opfer's mission of finding practical solutions for difficult design dilemmas. "This concept asked for a no-frills, rugged and durable interior," said Gale. "And, it should offer unexpected and youthful features."

Gale said that is why there is an abundance of Detonator Yellow body-color sheet-metal panels on the inside of M80, enhanced by satin-silver hard-plastic covers and water-repelling Neoprene-look seat-trim. The center console doubles as a portable cooler while the lightweight seats can be removed and used outdoors. Behind the fold-flat seats is a vehicle-wide bin for wet-goods such as shoes, umbrella or a snowboard. The instrument panel features a large storage drawer.

Growing up in California, Opfer used to live just one hour from the beach and one hour from the snowy mountains. Vehicles of choice included a '70s Jeep® Wagoneer and a Dodge Raider. "We were always looking for stylish, low-cost four-wheel-drive vehicles to accommodate our ever-changing activities," said Opfer. "That is exactly what I had in mind while sketching the Dodge M80. I also looked at the 1939 Dodge TC and 1941 WC for inspiration, creating a modernist interpretation of these classic Dodge trucks."

Where minivan function and convenience meets Next Wave cool, you'll find Dodge Kahuna.

That Next Wave of fun and function blew in like a warm Pacific breeze at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the form of the all-new concept vehicle, Dodge Kahuna. It is intended for those looking for a free-spirited approach to a vehicle that meets many needs without bowing to convention.

The six-passenger Dodge Kahuna features an exterior design that conveys an athletic, capable image that is readily associated with the California coastal culture. But it is far from laid back. This is about pushing interior volume and flexibility to the max to allow its owners to work or play hard - all surrounded by an exterior that lends an element of sophistication and attention to detail. The retractable top allows the outside to become part of the interior as it folds back in accordion-like fashion.

A roof system that opens from the B-pillar to rear bumper allows for extreme function and enjoyment. In addition, all exterior windows are frameless, with all door glass having the capability to completely retract into the doors.

Inside, the "big wave" theme continues, as Kahuna blends Pacific Blue two-tone colors. In addition, a flowing wave design can be seen in the shaping of the instrument panel as well as its switches, door panel detailing and seat forms. There are three rows of flexible seating, two of which can be turned into tables if needed, and a Sto & Go® load floor, complements the full capability and flexibility of the system.

Under the hood there is nimble performance from a 2.4-liter turbocharged, 215 horsepower engine and a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Suspension is independent in the front, with a beam axle and coil leaf springs from the company's award-winning minivan.

Dodge Kahuna Concept Key Specifications

Length: 185.6 inches (4,714 mm)
Wheelbase: 122 inches (3,099 mm)

Overhang
Front: 28.9 inches (734 mm)
Rear: 34.7 inches (881 mm)
Width: 77.8 inches (1,976 mm)
Height: 67.0 inches (1,702 mm)

Track
Front: 65.3 inches (1,659 mm)
Rear: 65.3 inches (1,659 mm)

Tires
Front: 255/SOR22-inch; wheel size: 22 inches; outer diameter, 32 inches
Rear: 255/SOR22-inch; wheel size: 22 inches; outer diameter, 32 inches

Bigger, bolder and faster, the 2003 Dodge Durango HEMI® RT Concept separates itself from the sport utility pack with big power and a broad shouldered presence that could only come from Dodge. With more style, more cargo room and more capability, the Dodge Durango Concept delivers on all fronts, including the type of muscle that only a Dodge can deliver: HEMI power.

The Dodge Durango Concept design provides a strong hint of the next generation Durango that will appear in late 2003 as a 2004 model. The Durango Concept is approximately 85-percent of the production level exterior design.

The Dodge Durango Concept features a bold and powerful presence that is three inches longer, more than three inches taller and four and a half inches wider than the current generation Durango. The enlarged exterior results in a roomier all-new interior that provides increased head, shoulder and hip room and available seating for seven. Interior capacity is increased by 15 percent and is enhanced by Durango's fold-flat cargo floor. As shown in the concept, Durango now has the capability to carry 48-inch wide sheets of plywood between the wheel wells.

With 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque, the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum-powered Dodge Durango Concept delivers blistering acceleration while improving fuel efficiency by more than 10 percent, when compared to the current generation Durango. A new heavy-duty five-speed automatic transmission is behind the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum. The full-time four-wheel drive Dodge Durango Concept also features a standard electronic transfer case with low range.

The Durango Concept features an all-new independent front suspension with a rack-and-pinion steering system for an even more precise feel. An all-new rear suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle delivers a smooth ride, yet maintains durability, payload and towing capability. A Watt link system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces.

Safety features include available side curtain air bags for all three rows of seating, a tire-pressure monitoring system, adjustable pedals and standard four-wheel disc ABS brakes. A center mounted, three-point shoulder belt is incorporated into the second row seating area. Driver enhancements include a navigational system, and a hands-free cellular phone system utilizing Bluetooth technology.

Along with the name, we also brought back the heritage that made Charger R/T a legend. This concept car advances four-door style into an entirely new dimension. True to the original muscle car form, Charger R/T, with its low, thrusting hood, has a powerful V8 matched with a five-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. The front grille and lamps look menacing. The body is taut. The rear deck with spoiler, and the fascia with sly-looking taillamps and twin exhaust outlets, all signify a vigorous departure from the past. In true retro form, 1966 meets the millennium. One look at the radio knobs and three-spoke steering wheel will confirm that. The pistol-grip shift lever adds to the feeling.

Throughout this interior past and future, street and racing are balanced. Exposed metal is emphasized -- but the front and rear bucket seats are made of carbon fiber and have red leather accents. Because the Charger R/T is supercharged, the 4.7-liter SOHC, 16-valve, V8 engine has the kind of ferocity that results in 325 horsepower.

But Charger R/T is environmentally gentle -- its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel produces negligible emissions at the tail pipes.

Bold Concept is a Thoroughbred in 1970 "Pony Car" Tradition

In creating the new Dodge Challenger concept car the designers at Chrysler Group's West Coast Pacifica Studio knew they had a rich heritage to draw upon. They also knew they had an obligation to "get it right."

Tasked with the enviable assignment of developing a hot-looking performance coupe using Chrysler Group's advanced rear-wheel drive LX platform and its fabled HEMI® engine, the designers explored a variety of options, eventually gravitating to "something" for the Dodge brand - appropriate given that brand's bold performance image. The idea of reinventing the highly-collectible Challenger quickly came to mind.

Eager to begin, the designers drew up a "short list "of the essential attributes of a muscle car: distinctly American; mega horsepower; pure, minimal, signature lines; aggressive air-grabbing grille; and bold colors and graphics.

"Challenger draws upon the initial 1970 model as the icon of the series," said Tom Tremont, Vice President - Advanced Vehicle Design. "The 1970 model is the most sought after by collectors. But instead of merely recreating that car, the designers endeavored to build a Challenger most people see in their mind's eye - a vehicle without the imperfections like the old car's tucked-under wheels, long front overhang and imperfect fits. As with all pleasurable memories, you remember the good and screen out the bad. "We wanted the concept car to evoke all those sweet memories – everything you thought the Challenger was, and more."

"During the development of the concept car," says Micheal Castiglione, principal exterior designer, "we brought an actual 1970 Challenger into the studio. For me, that car symbolizes the most passionate era of automotive design."

Being key to the image, getting the right proportions was critical. The Challenger concept sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, six inches longer than the original. But its width is two inches greater, giving the concept car a squat, tougher, more purposeful persona.

The signature side view accent line - designers call it the "thrust" line - is higher up on the body, running horizontal through the fender and door and kicking up just forward of the rear wheel.

In section the upper and lower body surfaces intersect and fall away along this line, which has just a whisper of the original car's coved surfacing. "We wanted to stay pure," said Castiglione, "with simple, minimal line work, but with everything just right."

The five-spoke chrome wheels - 20-inch, front; 21-inch, rear - are set flush with the bodyside, giving the car the powerful muscular stance of a prizefighter eager to challenge the world. Wheel openings are drawn tightly against the tires, with the rearward edges trailing off. To emphasize the iconic muscularity, the designers added plan view "hip" to the rear quarters.

One of the key characteristics of the original car the designers wanted to retain was the exceptionally wide look of both the front and back ends. To achieve this the designers increased both the front and rear tracks to 64 and 65 inches respectively, wider than the LX, wider even than the 1970 model. To realize the long horizontal hood the designers deemed essential, the front overhang was also increased.

Both the hood and the deck lid of the Challenger concept vehicle are higher than the 1970 in order to lift and "present" the front and rear themes. The front end features the signature Dodge crossbar grille and four headlamps deeply recessed into the iconic car-wide horizontal cavity. Diagonally staggered in plan view, the outboard lamps are set forward, the "six-shooter" inboard lamps slightly rearward. At the rear, the car-wide cavity motif is repeated, encompassing a full-width neon-lit taillamp. Both the grille and the front and rear lamps are set into carbon-fiber surrounds. Like the original, slim rectangular side marker lamps define the ends of the car.

Bumpers are clean (no guards), body-color and flush with the body. "This is something we would have loved to do on the original Challenger," said Jeff Godshall, who was a young designer in the Dodge Exterior studio when the first Challenger was created, "but the technology just wasn't there. With the Challenger concept, however, the Pacifica Studio designers are able to realize what we wanted in our perfect world."

The hood reprises the original Challenger "performance hood" and its twin diagonal scoops, now with functional butterfly-valve intakes. Designed to showcase the modern techniques used in fabricating the car, what look like painted racing stripes are actually the exposed carbon fiber of the hood material.

The Challenger concept is a genuine four-passenger car. "You can sit up in the back seat," said Castiglione. Compared to the original, the greenhouse is longer, the windshield and backlite faster, and the side glass narrower. All glass is set flush with the body without moldings, another touch the original designers could only wish for. The car is a genuine two-door hardtop - no B-pillar - with the belt line ramping up assertively at the quarter window just forward of the wide C-pillar.

Exterior details one might expect, like a racing-type gas cap, hood tie-down pins, louvered backlite and bold bodyside striping, didn't make the "cut," the designers feeling such assorted bits would detract from the purity of the monochromatic body form. But tucked reassuringly under the rear bumper are the "gotta have" twin-rectangle pipes of the dual exhausts.

In contrast to the bright Orange Pearl exterior, the interior is a no-nonsense, "let's-get-in-and-go" black relieved by satin silver accents and narrow orange bands on the seat backs. "Though the 1970 model was looked to for inspiration, we wanted to capture the memory of that car, but expressed in more contemporary surfaces, materials and textures," said Alan Barrington, principal interior designer. As with the original car, the instrumental panel pad sits high, intersected on the driver's side by a sculpted trapezoidal cluster containing three circular in-line analog gauge openings.

"We designed the in-your-face gauge holes to appear as if you are looking down into the engine cylinders with the head off," relates Barrington. These are flanked outboard by a larger circular "gauge" that is actually a computer, allowing the driver to determine top overall speed, quarter-mile time and speed, and top speed for each of the gears.

With its thick, easy-grip rim, circular hub and pierced silver spokes, the leather-wrapped steering wheel evokes the original car's "Tuff" wheel, as does the steering column "ribbing." The floor console, its center surface tipped toward the driver, is fitted with a proper "pistol grip" shifter shaped just right to master the quick, crisp shifts possible with the six-speed manual "tranny."

Inasmuch as the original Challenger was the first car to have injection-molded door trim panels (now common practice), the doors received special attention. "We imagined that the door panel was a billet of aluminum covered with a dark rubberized material," Barrington relates. "Then we cut into it to create a silver trapezoidal cove for the armrest."

Although the flat-section bucket seats of the original Challenger didn't offer much support for aggressive driving, the front seats in the Challenger concept car boast hefty bolsters much like those found on Dodge's famed SRT series cars. The trim covers' horizontal pleats or "fales" provide just a hint of that "70's" look. Rethought, reworked, reproportioned and redesigned, the Challenger concept car offers iconic a HEMI-powered performance coupe derived from a classic American muscle car.

The new Dodge Super 8 Hemi concept car is a melting pot of classic Dodge design with Dodge trucks and sport utility vehicles. It combines the best of both worlds to form the newest execution of Passenger Priority design in the guise of a sedan. But where other sedans sit lower to the ground, the Super8 Hemi stands tall to enhance visibility, comfort, space and ease of entry and exit for both driver and passengers.

Underneath the hood sits the real story of this concept car with roots in the 40s and 50s: the famed Hemi engine that made its name on the early NASCAR tracks. This iteration is a 5.7-liter V8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and two spark plugs per cylinder that produces a whopping 353 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque with a calculated top speed of 154 mph. Horsepower is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® that brings the concept car from zero to 60 in only 5.7 seconds.

As with all concept cars, the Super8 Hemi doesn't fall short on futuristic gadgets:

• A 6.4-inch screen is incorporated in the instrument panel
• Two 8.4 touch screens are located on articulating arms mounted on front-seat backrests for rear-seat passengers
• Infotronic Speech Recognition and Text-to-Speech telematics technology for onboard devices that maintain an instant link between personal space and cyber space
• Internet-based off-board navigation system with email access
• Home Connection System allows you to activate or disable home appliances, security systems, and entertainment systems from your car through an Internet-based remote interface
• A rear-seat entertainment system includes location-based online trivia games, playable either with other passengers, or with a player in another vehicle by way of GPS location technology
• Nationwide, digital quality, satellite-based audio via Satellite Radio in the continental U.S. Passengers can choose between 100 unique channels, 50 of which are commercial free

The design thesis: merge European rally car performance and style with some of the convenience and capability of the American sport-utility vehicle.

The result: the Dodge Avenger concept.

The Adrenaline Red Pearl-colored Avenger, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, gives American drivers the rally car style and performance usually seen only in video games. This high-tech passion and performance is packaged in a real-life vehicle that is robust and capable enough to get occupants into their own adventures far removed from the video screen.

Although based on the European rally coupe formula, the Dodge Avenger has four doors, consistent with the "do more" philosophy of the Dodge brand. Visually, Avenger stands out with taut lines that track around precise, robust surfaces and accentuate the protective quality of the overall design. Its body nestles between muscular, rally-inspired fenders, providing a capable, powerful stance. Performance and street smarts combine to give Avenger the agility and size of a passenger car - but with the strength and stance more associated with the SUV market.

Dodge Avenger has a wide track, full fenders and a unique fastback profile to showcase its agile all-wheel drive capability. The rear doors open 90 degrees for better ingress and egress and allow for both occupants and items, such as skis, a mountain bike or just groceries. At the rear, a hatch-style liftgate enables a level of versatility for any owner to indulge his or her active lifestyle.

Features accentuating the vehicle's style include a satin silver mirror ring to silver exhaust tips, black head lamp bezels including perforated faces, and silver head lamp cans with amber LEDs which permeate through. The styling is purposely sparse as a true rally-inspired car but detailed in silver and black accents to provide a clean yet punctuated setting.

Four independent seats hug the occupants in a protective exo-skeleton structure featuring four-point built-in safety belts that resemble racing harnesses. A center console area features armrests for comfort, but maintains utility with see-through storage bins. The active, outgoing image of Dodge is further highlighted through the integrated "boom box" in the lift gate.

Avenger's all-wheel-drive powertrain consists of a 3.5-liter V6 and an A604 automatic transmission. Gears are changed not with a standard stick shifter, but with steering wheel-mounted paddles to enable quick, direct and smooth transitions and response.

Dodge Avenger Concept Vehicle Key Specifications

Length: 187.2 inches (4,754 mm)
Wheelbase: 113 inches (2,870 mm)
Width: 72.3 inches (1,836 mm)
Height: 63.6 inches (1,616 mm)
Track
Front: 61.2 inches (1,554 mm)
Rear: 61.2 inches (1,554 mm)
Tires
Front: 265/55R20-inch; wheel size: 20-inches x 9 inches, outer diameter - 31.5 inches
Rear: 295/50R20-inch; wheel size: 20-inches x 10 inches, outer diameter - 31.6 inches