In 1926, just one year after Walter P. Chrysler founded the company to which he gave his name, he summed up his automobiles this way: “I gave the public quality, beauty, speed, comfort, style and power, all at a low price.”

Today, those founding principles have evolved into the core strengths of the Chrysler brand: Design, Engineering and Value.

“The beauty of our Chrysler vehicles is more than skin deep,” said David R. Rooney, Director – Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. “Behind the stunning looks, and behind the gleaming sheet metal and distinctive design, every Chrysler possesses superior quality and engineering, all at an extraordinary value. The essence of the brand is captured in Chrysler’s new theme: ‘Engineered Beautifully.’”

From a styling perspective, all of the brand’s vehicles have three basic elements that comprise the distinctive face of Chrysler: winged Chrysler medallion … egg crate grille … and sculpted hood. Beyond these signature elements, each Chrysler vehicle is a unique interpretation of beauty.

Illustrating this design philosophy are two all-new vehicles unveiled this year: the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

The Sebring Convertible is characterized by its sleek, elegant styling. It is a look achieved by a long hood and roofline, and a high chrome beltline. The Sebring Convertible’s athletic quality comes from the sculpted character lines that run across the body, underneath the door handles and across the lower body side. America’s best-selling convertible for more than seven of the past 10 years is the first four-passenger convertible to offer customers the choice of either a vinyl top, soft top or retractable hard top. All three meet the emotional and rational needs of those who want to enjoy the convertible experience with family and friends 365 days a year.

Noteworthy engineering features on the Sebring Convertible include three available engine options, a new six-speed automatic transaxle, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), a first in the convertible segment.

Like the Sebring Convertible, the word “contemporary” describes the styling of the Town & Country. This minivan’s lines are clean and tailored, yielding better aerodynamics and a solid stance on the road. It borrows cues from the Chrysler 300: similar body-to-glass proportions, graceful wheel flares, sleek pillars, tasteful chrome accents and detailed ornamentation. The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new or improved features, including the all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system. Also new: SIRIUS Backseat TV™, which provides live TV programming from the most trusted brands in family entertainment — Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network.

As for engineering, the Chrysler Town & Country is the first minivan with a six-speed transaxle and is available with a 4.0-liter engine. Among its standard safety and security features are side-curtain air bags in all three rows and ESP with traction control and Brake Assist. Also available are a patented energy-absorbing steering wheel, ABS and driver-side inflatable knee blocker, a minivan first.

Similarly endowed with their own outer beauty and purposeful technology are the other members of the Chrysler family – the 300, 300C SRT8, Aspen, Crossfire Coupe and Roadster, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, PT Cruiser Convertible and Sebring Sedan.

Global sales for the Chrysler brand in 2006 were 757,832 units. International sales rose 8 percent, from 82,986 units in 2005 to 89,923 units in 2006.