- Five semifinalists selected from hundreds of entries with the help of public votes - Contestants will now produce hat design, including material from the Sebring Convertible soft top - Three finalists receive weekend trip to the 133rd Kentucky Derby and chance to win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For five lucky semifinalists, the dream of attending the Kentucky Derby - and riding in style while there - is much closer to coming true as the Chrysler brand announces the five semifinalists in the "Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby" national design contest. Selected from hundreds of entries, the semifinalists are still in the running to win a weekend trip to the 133rd Kentucky Derby and an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The public recently voted on their favorite hat designs at the contest Web site. Public voting, combined with the judges' scores, determined the five semifinalists who will now receive the Chrysler Sebring Convertible top material in two colors and seed money to produce the hat they originally submitted as a sketch. "Now that the public has helped us to determine our top five contestants, we can't wait to see each semifinalist's hat, inspired by the all-new Sebring Convertible," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "It has been exciting to see everyone's interpretation of the styling, particularly the retractable metal hard top feature. We are looking forward to the excitement of sending the three winning designers to the Kentucky Derby in May." Entrants were challenged to submit a sketch of an original hat design that captures the essence of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and the sophistication of the Kentucky Derby, while incorporating material from the Sebring Convertible's soft top. Contestants' hat designs were judged on originality and functionality of design, replication feasibility and written description of the hat. Three Move On To "The Run for the Roses" Contestants will have until April 13 to produce their original hat design submission. After viewing the completed hats, judges will select the top three finalists, who will receive a trip for two to the Kentucky Derby and a chance to win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The grand prize winner will be decided by a panel of judges and announced in Louisville, Ky., during Kentucky Derby weekend. Contest updates may be found at the contest Web site at http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com/. Complete List of Semifinalists Sandra Gerger - Warrington, PA Tanya Law - Charleston, WV Cynthia Lundeen - Cleveland Heights, OH Nina Rosenberg - Prospect, KY Jeanette Marie Simme - Sullivan, OH About the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible The completely redesigned 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, arriving in showrooms this spring, 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. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Eileen Wunderlichm, +1-248-512-0332, , or Carrie McElwee, +1-248-512-2664, , both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com/

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