World Debut for All-New 2001 Chrysler Sebring at Geneva

1 March 2000
World Debut for All-New 2001 Chrysler Sebring at Geneva
    GENEVA, Feb. 29-- A stylish, all-new Chrysler mid-size sedan
makes its world premiere at the Geneva motor show today (February 29).  The
new 2001 Chrysler Sebring throws down a significant challenge to look-alike
mainstream models in the segment.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000229/SEBRING1
             http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000229/SEBRING2
             http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000229/SEBRING3
             http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000229/SEBRING4 )
    With the introduction of the new Sebring, Chrysler not only strengthens
its European challenge but also continues its total product renewal cycle,
which has given the brand a completely redesigned passenger car line-up that
is less than three years old.
    The Sebring, which will go on sale in European markets late this year,
builds on the success of its predecessor, the Chrysler Stratus, but delivers
added luxury features, extra refinement and increased performance from a
choice of 2.7-litre V-6 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, with the option
of AutoStick(R) transmission.  The outstanding dynamic and passive safety
abilities of Sebring are enhanced by the option of ABS Plus, a sophisticated
software extension of conventional anti-lock braking.
    "We stayed true to the Chrysler brand philosophy of maintaining the roomy
interior, exceptional design, dynamic driving characteristics and sound
engineering," said Jim Holden, President, DaimlerChrysler.  "However, our all-
new Sebring sedan gives customers a car that goes head-to-head with the
benchmark vehicles in that segment, and wins hands down in terms of style,
space, comfort and overall driving enjoyment."
    The current Stratus set a new standard in the mid-size passenger car
segment when it was introduced for the 1995 model year, with its revolutionary
cab-forward design creating maximum interior space and cargo room in a sleek
exterior package.  The new Chrysler Sebring sedan follows that lead and will
continue to set the pace within its class.
    Total sales of the current Chrysler Stratus in Europe since its launch in
1995 are now more than 30,000-with the key European markets for the model
being Spain, Switzerland and Scandinavia.  With the launch of the new Sebring,
Chrysler is targeting Germany, France and Italy as markets with potential for
higher sales penetration.