Chrysler Pacifica Designed,
Defined with Safety in Mind

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 6, 2002; Early in vehicle
development, the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica was assigned the internal
code, "The Protector."
    "'The Protector' is really about the driver and his or her responsibility
for getting everybody home safely," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President-Family
Vehicle Product Team.  "Chrysler Pacifica provides the tools the driver needs
to fulfill that role.  The first-class seating position, cockpit-style
controls, all-wheel-drive and sport-sedan handling help the driver avoid
accidents.  If a crash does occur, safety systems such as the three-row side
curtain air bags help keep occupants safe.
    "We set stringent internal safety targets right from the beginning of
development and carried them all the way through production," Donoughe added.
    Chrysler Pacifica is one of world's first vehicles to offer a three-row
side curtain air bag, that will be standard equipment on the vehicle which
goes on sale in the spring of 2003.  The ceiling-mounted side curtain air bag
deploys downward and provides full-side window coverage.  The air bag was
tested to the voluntary standards set by the industry's Side Air Bag Technical
Working Group.  In addition, Chrysler Group engineers also used the "pole
test," which mimics accidents such as hitting a telephone pole or tree, to
evaluate the side air bag sensing system.  These types of accidents may be
severe because the crash forces are concentrated in a relatively small area of
the vehicle.
    Chrysler Pacifica meets Chrysler engineers' strict criteria for handling
and stability.  The unique sports tourer package is designed with a wide track
for optimal handling and stability.  Although the Chrysler Pacifica is taller
than most passenger cars, its suspension, steering and ride are calibrated to
achieve sport sedan cornering and handling qualities.  Additionally, knowledge
was shared across the DaimlerChrysler family to ensure that the Chrysler
Pacifica's rear suspension incorporates "best practices" in technology and
design.
    "Chrysler Pacifica does not share components, but it does share a common
rear suspension design architecture with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class," Donoughe
said.  "Not only did we benefit from adopting the suspension design, but
Chrysler Pacifica also benefited from undergoing development testing in the
DaimlerChrysler Driving Simulator in Berlin."
    Mercedes was the first automaker to adapt aerospace simulation technology
for automotive development.  The driving simulator enables engineers to drive
a car when it exists only as a collection of computer data.  Consequently,
engineers are able to test the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes
before the first prototype is built.  This technology also evaluates traction
control and center of gravity to optimize the vehicle's handling performance.
    Chrysler Pacifica's advanced restraint system encompasses the seat belts,
air bags and sensors to optimize occupant protection in the event of a crash.
In addition to the side curtain air bag, Chrysler Pacifica also provides the
first Chrysler Group inflatable knee blocker.  Located just below the steering
column, the knee blocker helps to reduce potential leg injuries in a crash.
It also aids in appropriately positioning the driver to get the full safety
benefit of the total restraint system.
    Enhanced multi-stage driver and passenger air bags deploy at various
levels based on the severity of the crash.  Two charges in the air bag module
are triggered separately.  A minor impact will trigger a low-power deployment
while a severe impact will deploy a more high-powered discharge in order to
optimize occupant protection.  The sophisticated driver air bag works in
conjunction with the energy-absorbing steering wheel, patented steering column
and inflatable knee blocker to provide supplemental restraints in frontal or
near-frontal impacts.
    Seat belts are the first line of defense against injury in a crash.
Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with front seat belt pretensioners and constant
force retractors.  Both are located within the seat belt retractor system and
activated simultaneously with air bag deployment.  Pretensioners tighten the
seat belt to keep the occupant in place while constant force retractors
minimize the load to reduce upper body injuries from the excessive force of
the seat belt when it presses against the body.
    "Loaded with safety and security features, Chrysler Pacifica was designed
to give drivers and other occupants a peace of mind," said Donoughe.  "All
drivers want to safeguard their families on the road and Chrysler Pacifica
assists in that mission."