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.October 27, 2004
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This Week:

• H3: Authentic HUMMER Style And Capability In A Midsize

• Nissan Marks 35th Anniversary of the Z® In North America

• DaimlerChrysler Puts More Fuel Cell Vehicles on Public Roads

• Ford Thunderbird - An American Icon - Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

• Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Begins Their First Ever North American Truck Production At Toyota's Facility In California

• All-New Jeep® Grand Cherokee Climbs to New Heights

• Greater Performance, Greater Safety, Greater Comfort - The New BMW 3 Series

• H2H: GM Creates Hydrogen-Powered HUMMER

• Chrysler Group and Magna Steyr Enter Agreement for Chrysler 300C Production

• Valeo Announces a Plan to Close Its Facility in Orense, Spain

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Chrysler Group and Magna Steyr Enter Agreement for Chrysler 300C Production

Chrysler 300C Touring

Photo: DC

• Graz, Austria facility to support Chrysler 300C production for markets outside of North America

• Production launch targeted for second quarter 2005

• Magna agreement another example of Chrysler Group's Business Model Flexibility

"Since the introduction of the Chrysler 300C Touring and Sedan in markets outside of North America, the public response to the vehicles has been greater than we expected. For next year, demand from the markets is far beyond our original projections," said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer. "The production launch next year at Magna Steyr will enable us to have 300Cs on the ground quickly to meet growing market demand from a facility that has proven its expertise in building quality vehicles for world markets."

Magna Steyr will assemble the various offerings of the Chrysler 300C Touring and Sedan, including: left- and right-hand drive versions; a high- performance version -- the SRT-8; and a diesel-powered model that will launch in late 2005. The vehicles will be assembled in the same facility as the Grand Cherokee and Voyager, showcasing Magna's production flexibility.

The Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant in Canada is currently the only production location for the Chrysler 300 Sedan and Touring and Dodge Magnum, and soon-to-be-launched Dodge Charger. By adding a second production site for the Chrysler 300 family, Chrysler Group will be able to satisfy demand in Europe and rest-of-the-world markets, while not compromising its ability to deliver more vehicles to North America, where demand is the highest.

Chrysler Group's manufacturing strategy for its rear-wheel-drive vehicles underscores an ongoing commitment to the implementation of innovative forms of flexibility. Today's announcement demonstrates another example of Business Model Flexibility, which enables the company to start production of the 300C outside North America without tying up additional capital for tooling and equipment. It also minimizes costly issues associated with importing vehicles into various markets worldwide, including distribution.

The Chrysler 300 family solidifies the brand presence in over a hundred markets worldwide. It offers customers an expressive Chrysler design and personality, an all-new platform with world-class, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive technology, and exceptional interior driver and passenger space.

The 300 series offers the most powerful line of engines in its class, including a fuel-efficient 2.7-liter V-6, 3.5-liter High-Output V-6, culminating in the 5.7 liter HEMI(R) V-8. It also features cylinder deactivation called Multi-Displacement System (MDS), providing the HEMI power customers want with the fuel economy they will appreciate.

More than 105,000 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum vehicles have been sold so far this year. The Chrysler 300 commands 40 percent of the Canadian luxury full-size vehicle segment and more than 30 percent of the U.S. luxury full- size car segment, since its introduction.

(Oct 27, 2004)