ATLANTA
(November 18, 2002) – Thousands
of Atlanta area residents will have a chance to take a spin
on Chrysler Group’s “Route 2002: An American
Road Trip” from Thursday, November 21 – Sunday,
November 24 at Six Flags Over Georgia. Route 2002 is a four-day
opportunity for consumers to test-drive some of the automaker’s
new and most popular Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep® vehicles
on specially designed on- and off-road driving courses that
demonstrate the vehicles’ handling, 4x4 capability
and refinement.
Route
2002 brings the thrill and excitement of on- and off-road
driving, on specially designed courses, while conveying
safety and education messages to consumers in an interactive
and entertaining environment. The event is divided into
three driving programs: Dodge City, The Chrysler Proving
Grounds, and Jeep 101®. Each driving program takes place
simultaneously but on separate courses. People can drive
six different courses in all, and are encouraged to drive
every course in order to best experience the features, performance
and handling of all the vehicles.
In addition
to putting people in the driver’s seat in a safe,
educational and entertaining environment, Route 2002 features
a number of interactive displays and lifestyle activities
for members of the whole family. Attendees can register
to win a number of sweepstakes and prizes including a new
vehicle lease, trip giveaways, and other consumer products.
Route 2002 is free of charge and is open to the public.
Sessions are scheduled hourly: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday;
9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; and, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.
Lou
Bitonti, Senior Manager, Brand Events, Chrysler Group said,
“Route 2002 is an excellent opportunity for consumers
to come out and get behind the wheel of a wide variety of
vehicles, learn how to become a better driver and have a
great time doing it. It’s a great weekend family event.”
“Route
2002 is an opportunity for people to experience the performance
and capabilities firsthand, whether someone is considering
purchasing a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep product, is already
an owner, or just wants to test drive vehicles they may
not normally drive,” said Senior Vice President Global
Marketing, George Murphy. “Route 2002 is more than
a test-drive opportunity. People who walk away from the
event will have improved their driving skills and will be
more prepared to handle potentially difficult driving situations
in the future.”
In addition
to the driving courses, each of the three areas of Route
2002 will feature specific lifestyle activities, displays
and products that align with each vehicle brand. The three
driving programs featured on the Route 2002 tour are:
•
Dodge City, the name of the on- and off-road course for
the Dodge brand. Consumers will be able to view the Dodge
concept and historical cars in each Route 2002 market and
will be able to test-drive the following vehicles: Ram 1500,
Durango, Dakota, Intrepid, Neon, Caravan, Stratus Coupe,
and Stratus Sedan. Drivers can time their tire-changing
skills in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge and can have their
picture taken with a NASCAR Intrepid.
•
The Chrysler Proving Grounds, named after the company’s
test track in Chelsea, Mich., educates attendees on the
rich heritage of the Chrysler brand. The Chrysler Proving
course of slalom curves, tar strips, and other obstacles
highlight the exceptional performance and agile handling
of Chrysler vehicles. This comprehensive test drive course
features Chrysler’s Sebring Coupe, Sebring Sedan,
Sebring Convertible Limited, 300M Special, PT Turbo and
Town & Country minivan. Additional activities include
an adult putting green, a putt-putt course for kids and
PT Cruiser photo opportunity, to name a few.
•
Jeep 101, the name of the driving courses for the Grand
Cherokee, Liberty, Wrangler, and Wrangler Rubicon off-road
and the Grand Cherokee and Liberty on-road. The Jeep Liberty,
one of the Jeep brand’s newest models, delivers legendary
Jeep off-highway capability with superior on-road ride and
handling. Once people have completed the rigorous Jeep 101
driving courses, they can check out the many Jeep activities
including a Jeep bike course and rock-climbing wall.
Those
interested in more information on the Atlanta stop of the
Route 2002 tour can call 1-866-ROUTE-02. The final stop
of the tour will be in Phoenix from December 5-8.