Chrysler Predicts Popular Paint Palette Colors for 2003* Company's Color Gurus Say Silvers and Blues Will Be the Hues

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 19 -- Color. When purchasing a brand new vehicle, car buyers rank color right next to make and model when formulating their new vehicle wish list. For 2003, Chrysler Group's color experts predict that silver, and new hues influenced by silver, will be popular in the new 2003 model year, which begins this fall.

"From automobiles to appliances, silver will be a strong color for many mainstream products," said Margaret Hackstedde, Director of Color, Fabric and Mastering Design, Chrysler Group. "In fact, one out of every four vehicles that we sell is silver. For the 2003 model year, we'll start to introduce fresh, new silver-influenced hues on our cars, trucks and minivans. Silver is a technical, refined color that reflects the continuing technology boom. We'll also see blue, along with a variety of blue shades, emerge as a popular color choice in 2003."

Chrysler color designers use the company's high-image concept vehicles to introduce new color ideas, concepts which have included street sensations such as Dodge Viper, Chrysler Prowler, PT Cruiser, and the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and Crossfire which will be available in early 2003. Much in the same fashion that these vehicles moved from concept to reality, well-received concept vehicle colors also make their way into production paint palettes.

"Similar to our designs, we want the colors of our vehicles to evoke a strong, passionate, emotional response," said Hackstedde. "We want our colors to enhance the dramatic curves and beautiful shapes of our vehicles."

The all-new segment-busting 2004 Chrysler Pacifica will be available in Satin Jade, an evolution of the color silver with a strong hint of green. Inside, Pacifica has a coordinated Deep Jade environment that features satin silver accent finishes on the instrument panel, shifter knob and auto transmission bezel. As first shown on the concept Chrysler Crossfire, the company's production version of its all-new head-turning sports coupe will be offered in an exclusive, new, sophisticated Sapphire Silver. In addition to thoughtful combinations of grains and colors, Crossfire's interior will feature metallic accents on the doors, steering wheel and instrument cluster.

Satin Jade will also appear for the first time on 2003 Chrysler and Dodge minivans and mid-2003 on Chrysler Sebring convertibles and sedans. First shown on the Dodge MAXXcab concept truck in 2000, Butane Blue will be introduced on 2003 Chrysler and Dodge minivans and the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Electric Blue will be offered on the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, while Light Blue will be introduced on the 2003 Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring coupes.

To formulate colors for future automobiles, Chrysler Group employs a creative staff dedicated solely to developing color ideas. With a two- to three-year timeframe for bringing a new automobile to market, the challenge for an automotive designer is to predict which colors will be popular in the distant future. Chrysler Group typically offers 10 different colors for each of its models.

"We refer to industry color forecasts, including the Color Marketing Group and the International Color Authority, in order to validate our color direction," said Hackstedde. "We have our fingers on the pulse of which colors will be popular in the future."

New exterior color choices for 2003 Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep® vehicles include Satin Jade, Sapphire Silver, Butane Blue, Light Blue, Electric Blue, Deep Lava Red, Blaze Red Crystal, Deep Red, Cactus Green, Timberline Green, Light Khaki and Brilliant Black Crystal.