Chrysler California Cruiser Proves Staying Power Of PT Cruiser's Landmark Design

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 19 At its traditional and exclusive dinner honoring the judges and organizers of the 52nd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Chrysler brand previewed the first vehicle in its next wave of trend-setting concept cars, the Chrysler California Cruiser.

The all-new California Cruiser concept builds on the uniquely American blend of style and practicality seen in the successful Chrysler PT Cruiser. "With PT Cruiser, we created a whole new segment and virtually redefined the blend of design and versatility in the small vehicle market," said Jim Schroer, Executive Vice President Chrysler Group Global Sales and Marketing. "That vehicle anticipated new consumer demands and expectations around the world. Now, we bring you a concept of what might be next, the Chrysler California Cruiser."

An all-around versatile vehicle with two large doors, an innovative rear hatch and multi-functional interior, the Chrysler California Cruiser amplifies what owners love about their PT Cruiser. The concept has ample space for four people and their travel needs, yet can be transformed into a hotel room for two.

The exterior of the California Cruiser concept stays true to the landmark design of PT Cruiser, while conveying a possible evolution in its styling theme.

"This concept introduces the new face of Chrysler to the PT Cruiser," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "California Cruiser's scalloped headlamps, chrome accented grille and integrated bumper reflect a direction that we started with the Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica. The more crisp and precise styling themes of those vehicles also influenced the profile and rear design of the Chrysler California Cruiser."

The Chrysler California Cruiser will make its public debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. At that time, more details will be made available.

The Chrysler Group presented the first concept leading up to the Chrysler PT Cruiser in the spring of 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show with the Pronto Cruizer. It was followed in 1999 by the Company's most short-lived concept car, the PT Cruiser, since the production version was rolled out within five minutes at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Chrysler GT Cruiser and Panel Cruiser concepts made their world premiere in 2000, while in 2001 the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Styling Study made its debut at the New York Auto Show.

The GT Cruiser concept foreshadowed the recently launched 2003 Chrysler PT Turbo, while production plans for the Chrysler PT Convertible were announced at the 2002 New York Auto Show. This convertible will be available at Chrysler dealers by spring of 2004.

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser is manufactured at Chrysler Group's Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. From its launch as a production vehicle in February 2000 through July 2002, nearly 444,000 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold worldwide.