Dodge Enters China with Bold, Powerful Statement

- Dodge brand officially enters Chinese market with first products revealed at Auto Shanghai 2007

- The best-selling Dodge Caravan will be locally produced in China for the Chinese market

- Dodge Caliber will be the first imported Dodge vehicle available to customers in China

- Portfolio of Dodge vehicles underlines the breadth and potential of the brand

SHANGHAI, China, April 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dodge officially enters China with a bold and powerful statement at Auto Shanghai 2007 as it premieres the first two products for the brand: the locally produced Dodge Caravan and imported Dodge Caliber. These two Dodge vehicles, in addition to the other Dodge products on display at the Shanghai show, clearly underline the scope and potential of the Dodge brand.

Each of these vehicles delivers the four key attributes of the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart ... and together they stress the exciting present and future of the brand as it continues to expand into the global automotive market.

"We have a clear and assertive brand identity for Dodge," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director - International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We established a strong and distinct character for our new Dodge products and now expand the brand into China, one of the most promising automotive markets in the world. As we begin to define the brand through its products at Auto Shanghai 2007, we can clearly illustrate the breadth, potential and excitement that the brand offers."


Dodge Caravan

The new Dodge Caravan precisely interprets the mission of Chrysler Group to make the best-selling minivan in the marketplace the best looking, while staying true to the minivan formula of a right-sized vehicle designed from the inside out.

The 1984 introduction of the modern minivan by the Chrysler Group changed the way people thought about family and business transportation. Designed with a formula that has proven to be successful for 23 years, the new Dodge Caravan for the Chinese market continues to embrace the original minivan formula with modern enhancements.

The Dodge Caravan stays true to the original design theme, striving for more comfort and convenience. With easy entry and exit; chair-height seating; a low, flat floor; flexible seating options with the Stow 'n Go(TM) seating and storage system; and multiple safety and convenience features, the Dodge Caravan has matured into a pleasant, comfortable and useful vehicle.

The Dodge Caravan is instantly recognizable as a Dodge by its bold styling and distinctive crosshair grille that has become the "face" of Dodge.

The Dodge Caravan is the first Dodge vehicle to be built in China, and will be produced at Southeast Motor (SEM), a Chinese auto manufacturer based in Fuzhou, in the Fujian province of southeast China, under a license agreement reached between Chrysler Group and SEM. The Dodge Caravan will begin sales in China toward the end of 2007.

"The decision to build the Dodge Caravan in China for the local market is key to being competitive in a country where significant growth opportunities are anticipated for years to come. Our leadership is committed to the expansion of the Dodge brand outside North America, and partnerships such as this one will help us to ensure the brand's success," said Hausch.

Dodge Caliber

With its successful entry into markets around the world, and securing its place as the top-selling Chrysler Group product outside North America this year, the Dodge Caliber now arrives to China. Caliber is a new slant on the C- segment, combining bold styling with high value and utility. The Dodge Caliber will appeal to customers who want Dodge attitude packaged with the capability and versatility of a sport-utility type vehicle, plus high fuel efficiency.

Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. Dodge Caliber's sheer surface treatment commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart. Smart engine options, innovative features and high levels of safety and security round out the appealing package.

The new Dodge Caliber will be available for Chinese customers starting in the first quarter of 2008.

Dodge Viper SRT10 and Dodge Avenger

Dodge Viper SRT10 is the ultimate American sports car and the icon of the brand. It offers unbelievable power with stunning performance from its 8.3- liter V-10 engine and instantly recognizable looks.

The Dodge Avenger is an all-new four-door mid-size segment sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with power and performance, fuel efficiency, innovative interior features and high levels of safety and reliability.

Both of these vehicles on display at Auto Shanghai 2007 are further tangible proof of the progress of the Chrysler Group product offensive and the great potential for the Dodge brand in China and other international markets.

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. The Dodge brand has been producing vehicles for over 90 years.

In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million (1,345,517) vehicles in the global market. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles.

"The expansion of the Dodge brand into our key volume markets outside North America allows us to increase volume while leveraging our established dealer network and distribution structure," said Hausch. "Dodge also appeals to a different type of customer than Chrysler and Jeep(R), and its global expansion will contribute to our sustainable, profitable growth."

With continued strong sales, Dodge leads the Chrysler Group's brands in growth outside North America and could account for approximately 30 percent of Chrysler Group's sales outside North America by the end of 2009.

Additional information and news on the Dodge brand and its vehicles is available on the Internet at: http://www.discoverdodge.com.cn/


Source: Chrysler Group

One Lucky Commuter Gets a Morning Rush by Participating in Dodge 'Avenge Your Commute'

• Joel Schneeberger of Chicago won a chance to avenge his commute and an all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger
• Dodge and renowned life coach, Dr. Martha Beck, team up on National Stress Awareness Day to offer tips to help reduce the daily stress caused by commuting
• Dodge survey reveals men find their evening commute more stressful, while females cited their morning commute

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From the bumper-to- bumper traffic and unnecessary horns to the screeching tires and continuous break lights, many Americans are stressed out by the 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. rat race. A recent Dodge survey revealed 51 percent of Americans who live in major markets find their daily commute stressful. Of those, 62 percent experience feelings of frustration, 52 percent get in bad moods, 37 percent suffer from headaches and 28 percent experience back pain.

Joel Schneeberger of Chicago is one of those commuters. In recognition of National Stress Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 17, Dodge launched the "Avenge Your Commute" campaign, inviting frustrated commuters to write a 250-word essay answering the questions - "What makes your commute so stressful?" and "How would owning an all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger relieve your stress?" The 27- year-old's essay about his daily commute to work with his mother-in-law was chosen as the worst commuting story from more than 1,600 entries received from around the country. For his winning essay, Schneeberger was awarded a trip to Los Angeles, a chance to avenge his commute and a Dodge Avenger.


All entrants were asked to register at:
www.DodgeAvengeYourCommute.com

In addition to the essay contest, Dodge partnered with Dr. Martha Beck, internationally-recognized life coach, to help commuters minimize the stress caused by the daily commute.

"When things are out of our control, such as congested, standstill traffic, our immediate reaction is to stress out. Some commuters even become more aggressive on the road when faced with a stressful situation," said Dr. Beck, a best-selling author and columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine. "To help everyone de-stress and avoid accidents on the road, there are simple techniques commuters can do while behind the wheel, but the first step is to channel your stress into positive thoughts and take deep breaths."

"Avenging his Commute"

To avenge his commute, Dodge set up a safe environment - near Los Angeles' I-101 morning rush hour traffic - for Schneeberger to relieve his commuter stress in a fun, therapeutic way. From throwing balloons full of mud and firing a paint gun to lunging shopping carts and running over the vehicle in a Monster Truck, Schneeberger had his chance to blow off some commuter steam.

"I got such a rush when I received the phone call telling me that my essay was selected, but the greatest part was having the chance to vent my frustrations and demolish a vehicle, knowing I was going to get an all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger," said Schneeberger. "I can honestly say I will never think about my commute the same way again, especially since I'll be doing it by myself from behind the wheel of this cool new car."

Tips to Keep the Commuter Stress Away

Dodge and Dr. Beck offer simple tips to alleviate the stress that comes with battling bumper-to-bumper traffic, including:

-- Diminish the pains in your neck, back and head - Neck pains, headaches and backaches are common results of holding muscle tension while sitting in the driver's seat. Ease these symptoms by doing small-scale "hold and release" exercises with different muscle groups.
-- Press your head back against the headrest until your neck muscles are tight. Hold for a count of three, and then relax. Repeat 10 times.
-- Push your shoulders down and back, so that your shoulder blades push against the seat. Hold and release 10 times.
-- Learn to chill out - Stay hydrated. Dehydration causes irritability and fatigue before you actually sense thirst, so sip a chilled beverage before you're feeling parched. With the Dodge Avenger's ChillZone(TM), a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all models, commuters can keep as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans on hand at all times. Once they have their beverage of choice, they can keep it cold -- or hot -- in the 2008 Dodge Avenger's heated/cooled front cup holder. No reason for commuters to ever be thirsty again.
-- Take a breath of fresh and cold air - Blast cool air into your face from the air conditioner or roll down the window and breathe in fresh air. Your body loves the coolness and the oxygen.
-- Jam in traffic - Plug in your MP3 player or find your favorite radio station. The 2008 Dodge Avenger is MP3 compatible, so you can "jam" to your personal play list. Or with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, available on Dodge Avenger, listen to your favorites without commercials. Sing along by not just humming, but pulling in large breaths and supporting your voice with your diaphragm. The music and the deep breathing are both terrific stress-busters
-- Choose a lane and stay in it - Changing lanes frequently will only get you to your final destination a few seconds earlier and increases your chances of colliding with another car. The 2008 Dodge Avenger can help you avoid bumper-to-bumper commutes. Available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, the Avenger's available MyGIG(TM) multimedia system with navigation can provide alternate routes based on real-time traffic patterns.

"We understand that commuting can be stressful, but also know that commuting is apart of our everyday lives and isn't going to go away," said Tom Loveless, Director - Dodge Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "This is why we design vehicles, such as the 2008 Dodge Avenger, that will make the commute more enjoyable. With new features like the Chill Zone(TM), MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment Radio and heated/cooled cup holder, consumers should feel right at home in their ride to and from work."

The Facts of Commuting

While everyone has their own opinion on what makes a commute stressful and the best way to pass the time while commuting, the Dodge brand surveyed Americans to hear what they had to say.

-- Fifty-three percent of stressed male commuters said they find their evening commute more stressful, while 52 percent of stressed women find their morning commute more stressful
-- Sixty-percent of commuters are guilty of talking on the cell phone while driving, while 37 percent said they are guilty of having a lead foot and 26 percent admitted to not using a turn signal
-- Other drivers talking on the cell phone (25 percent) is the trait that frustrates commuters the most, followed by driving slowly in the left lane (21 percent) and darting from lane to lane (17 percent)

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 Avenger

The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger is an all-new mid-size sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA fuel economy standards). Among the 2008 Dodge Avenger's standard features that would make any commuter safer and more comfortable are side-curtain and front-seat-mounted side air bags, Chill Zone(TM), theft alarm and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger has a starting MSRP of $18,895, including destination.


Source: Chrysler Group