"There's no one or two models that the PT Cruiser goes up against, because it really doesn't," noted Vice President Chrysler Brand Marketing Tom Marinelli. "People who buy it -- first of all, it's got the highest rate of people who don't consider anything else that we've ever seen (50-60 percent). In other words, when they come to market, they want a PT Cruiser and they literally don't have a shopping list of other models."
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| Chrysler Group's Larry Lyons, left, Tom Marinelli, and Lance Wagner stand with the Chrysler Dream Cruiser Series 3 during its unveiling prior to the ninth annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Metro Detroit. (Photo: Joseph Cabadas, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the PT Cruiser is facing growing competition and a dip in sales since it was introduced, Chrysler is encouraged by owner loyalty to the car, Marinelli said. Previous owners are repurchasing it at about a 40 percent rate.
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| "In past years we've had high output 220 hp available but only as the GT package...in '04 the mainstream line will be able to get the turbo engine option." (Photo: Joseph Cabadas, Canadian Auto Press) |
"The big news for '04 (Cruiser) is the turbo engine," Marinelli said. "It delivers 180 horsepower on the touring and the limited model. And in past years we've had high output 220 hp available but only as the GT package, on the top of the line vehicles. So, in '04 the mainstream line will be able to get the turbo engine option.
"It's about a $1,200 option. So, at a much more affordable price, you can get 30 more horsepower."
Meanwhile, in 2004, the PT Cruiser convertible is scheduled to come out, but DaimlerChrysler will announce more about that at a later time, he said.
The PT Dream Cruiser will be available in Canada, which has a larger small car market than the United States, noted Paul Fleet, DCX Canada, manager, product public relations.