Chrysler Group Equips More Than 1.2 Million Vehicles With Electronic Stability Program


* By the end of 2006, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) will be standard or available on over 70 percent of Chrysler Group models
* ESP will be standard equipment on all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® brand sport-utility vehicles at that same time
* DaimlerChrysler’s Mercedes-Benz invented ESP and was the first company to offer this technology in 1995


Auburn Hills, Mich, Jun 13, 2006 -

DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler Group today announced that it has produced more than 1.2 million vehicles with its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) since 2004. By the end of 2006, ESP will be standard equipment on all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® brand sport-utility vehicles and will be standard or available on over 70 percent of Chrysler Group models. This is one of the many technologies Chrysler Group uses to enhance driver control.

DaimlerChrysler’s Mercedes-Benz invented ESP and was the first company to equip vehicles with the technology in 1995. The Chrysler Group first offered ESP on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum in 2004.

“At the Chrysler Group, we design stability and handling capability into all of our vehicles,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Chrysler Group Product Development. “Moving forward, we’ll expand availability of ESP and offer additional features utilizing this technology.”

Electronic Stability Program enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. It provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on slippery surface conditions, such as patchy snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering and the vehicle’s path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the car back onto the driver’s intended path. The system is calibrated to offer safe control of the vehicle under a variety of conditions, and to operate in a manner that is not intrusive in normal or spirited driving.

Electronic Stability Program is standard or available on the 2006 Chrysler 300 and Crossfire; Dodge Charger, Durango, Magnum and Sprinter; and Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty. Additionally, Chrysler Group will offer ESP on the 2007 Chrysler Aspen; Dodge Caliber and Nitro; and Jeep Compass, Patriot and Wrangler as well as on other vehicles to be announced at a later date.