Chrysler Group Five Star Dealerships Progress with Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 27, 2005 -- Chrysler Group Five Star Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) dealerships are trailblazing the highly competitive used-vehicle segment with cutting edge technology, benchmark training programs and a comprehensive bundle of consumer benefits.

The success of any sales effort starts with the salesperson. Our highest- volume CPOV dealerships in the U.S. have impressive training programs in place for salespeople. To help a salesperson effectively present the many features and benefits of a Brand Spankin Used(TM) CPOV, DaimlerChrysler currently offers on-site CPOV training at Five Star dealerships free of charge, as well as training at off-site venues. Ultimately such a program leads to better gross and return-on-investment, higher closing ratios and increased owner loyalty along with happier salespeople, managers and dealers.

"Certified used vehicles represent the fastest-growing niche within the used-vehicle industry," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. "We simply cannot afford not to be in the game. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles drive showroom traffic and add to the value of the franchise."

Also, innovations in technology like the Used vehicle Total Order Planning System (U-TOPS) now enable CPOV dealerships to get the most in-demand products at the best prices. U-TOPS was specifically developed by Chrysler Group dealers for Chrysler Group dealers. It is the only system that gives dealers first-priority access to DaimlerChrysler's used-vehicle inventory portfolios, while at the same time, improves a dealership's ability to buy and sell used vehicles to other dealerships.

Access to certifiable inventory has been fundamental to CPOV dealer success. U-TOPS has helped CPOV dealerships increase used-vehicle gross profit by an average of 17 percent while reducing over-aged inventory by 20 percent. Additionally, U-TOPS decreases inventory age by an average of 14 days while raising the annual inventory turn rate by 20 percent.

Furthermore, Chrysler Group offers one of the most comprehensive CPOV programs in the industry. For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used vehicle program, it must be a 2000 through 2006 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a stringent 125 point inspection. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an 8-year/80,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, a 3-month or 3,000 mile Maximum Care(TM) warranty, 24-hour, 365 day full roadside assistance, $35 per day rental car allowance and a Carfax(R) vehicle title history report.

"The Chrysler Group CPOV Program continues to set the pace with added value for our customers and increased sales for our dealers," said Ray Fisher, Chrysler Group Vice President - Sales, Service and Parts Operations. "It is a terrific combination because our CPO vehicles continue to introduce customers to all of the Chrysler Group brands."

Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used," Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealerships which have earned the Five Star Certification. Five Star Certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation as well as customer satisfaction survey

ratings. Approximately 2,400 Chrysler Group dealerships in the U.S. are certified Five Star dealers.