Jeep(R) Brand Creates a Slam-Dunk Opportunity to Reach the Urban Lifestyle

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 15 -- The Chrysler Group's Jeep® brand announced it is teaming up with the NBA's Hoop It Up as a national sponsor to bring Jeep vehicles courtside, during the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The Jeep brand's presence will be on and off the court at each tournament.

The NBA Hoop It Up is a grass roots event held in 40 markets across North America from March through September where participants of all ages will compete in fast-paced, half-court, 3-on-3 basketball tournaments with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the World Finals, which are held during the 2003 NBA All-Star Weekend.

``Our partnership with the NBA and Hoop It Up allows us to gain product exposure to a diverse group of people, that share a similar passion for basketball,'' explained Jay Kuhnie, Director of Chrysler-Jeep Communications at DaimlerChrysler. ``This initiative gives the Jeep brand more awareness, while providing an opportunity to integrate our brand message and product in urban markets.''

As a national sponsor, the Jeep logo will appear on all tournament entry forms, promotional ads, flyers and posters. Jeep also will receive sponsor mentions in local radio promotions and interactive media. Online promotion includes ad rotation, URL links to www.jeep.com and www.nba.com . Additionally, the Jeep brand logo will be on the NBA.com's outbound email program and sweepstakes. As a sponsor, Jeep brand vehicle will be featured in the public address announcements throughout the event day.

In 15 markets of the NBA Hoop It Up, Jeep brand vehicles will team up with AMCI to set up ``Learn & Drives'' courses. The Learn & Drives allow tournament attendees to test drive the Jeep Liberty or Jeep Grand Cherokee through a road course designed to allow the driver to practice different driving techniques.

Along with the Learn & Drives, Jeep brand will also sponsor an interactive basketball activity during the tournament, for participants and attendees to take their best shot at the Jeep 4x4 Hoop Challenge, the Jeep brand's version of 'Around the World'. The game will feature eight hoops set up with different designated shooting areas for each basket. Top participants will have their names posted on a leader board, with the top scorer walking away with a Jeep vehicle giveaway at the end of the day.

PentaMark Worldwide will be in charge of managing the on-site activities for the Jeep brand and The NBA Hoop It Up tour is managed and produced by Host Communications, Inc. (HOST).