- Drivers encouraged to drop their tops - convertible tops that is - as temperatures rise AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As temperatures heat up across the country, many Americans are working to get their "soft" bodies back in shape. Between lunges, crunches and sit-ups, the Chrysler brand discovered consumers want to firm up more than just their legs, arms and stomachs this summer. They also want to firm up their tops - their convertible tops that is. In fact, a recent Chrysler brand survey revealed 62 percent of Americans want hard convertible tops(1). While a majority of consumers prefer "hard" bodies and hard convertible tops, the survey also revealed a softer side of America. Here's the hard truth about the softer side: - Get the Ice Cream Scoop: More Americans prefer the soft serve version of the perfect summer treat - ice cream - compared to the hard, hand- packed option (50 percent to 43 percent). - Paperback Preference: Nearly seven out of 10 consumers (69 percent) would rather have a soft, paperback book over a hard cover novel when they're reading at the beach or on a summer road trip. - Soft Rock Soothes: The Beach Boys, Steppenwolf, Lynard Skynard and other classic soft rock artists were identified by Americans for making some of the best convertible driving songs. - Raise the "Soft Top" Roof: Even with the hard top option, one in three Americans (33 percent) still prefer soft convertible tops. With a top for everyone, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is the first convertible to offer three automatically latching top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel retractable hard top. "No matter where you live, there's just something special about driving a convertible. It's exhilarating - windows down, hair blowing in the wind," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing & Global Communications. "Regardless of whether you prefer the hard or soft top option on the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible, this summer is the perfect time to have fun cruising around town in the open air." No matter if you are a first time convertible driver, planning to buy a new convertible or thinking about renting one, all convertible drivers and passengers should be familiar with a few universal driving tips that apply to all convertibles: - Lock Your Valuables: Don't leave important documents or valuables in plain site when parking any vehicle; if you're in a convertible and parking with the top down, put valuable items in a locking glove box to keep them safe. - Sing, Sing, Sing: Top-down fun and good music go hand in hand ... but think about what you're blasting since everyone around you can hear your music choices. - Protect Your Pet: Allow pets time to adjust to the convertible ride if they're not used to riding with the top down; help acclimate your canine companions by taking them on short trips, at low speeds and eventually work your way up to cruising full speed once your pet has had time to adjust. - Hair Raising Experience: Driving with the top down can add extra volume to your usual hair style. Take a quick peak in the mirror after arriving at your destination to make sure the extra volume is enhancing - not detracting - from your appearance. - Soak Up the Sun: Top down driving is a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, but don't forget to apply sunscreen if you plan on being in the sun for an extended period of time. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends wearing sunscreen every day if you plan on being in the sun for more than 20 minutes. For additional information about the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, visit http://www.chrysler.com/sebringconvertible/. About the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible The completely redesigned 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers a sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. The Sebring Convertible also offers what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to be in the winners circle when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007. About the Chrysler Brand Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have more than tripled. No other American automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame. The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in great design, purposeful technology and value. (1) These results are based on 1,000 telephone interviews with Americans, 18 years of age and older from the US Express omnibus survey. Interviews were conducted between April 10th and April 12th, 2007. The final data are statistically weighted to reflect the actual age and gender of the U.S. population and are balanced by region. With a sample of 1,000, one can say with 95% certainty that the overall results are within +/- 3.1 percentage points of what they would have been had the entire U.S. population been surveyed. The margin of error will be larger for sub-groupings of the survey population. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Jodi Tinson, Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-2944, +1-586-219-0677 (cell), , or Carrie McElwee, Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-2664, +1-248-613-7752 (cell), ; or Allison Blitz, Clear!Blue, +1-312-464-1984 x250, +1-312-520-1896 (cell), Web site: http://www.chrysler.com/sebringconvertible http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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