DETROIT - DaimlerChrysler AG will announce Monday at the Geneva Auto Show it will build a convertible version of its popular PT Cruiser, the company said. <br>
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A ``styling study'' of an open-air PT Cruiser was first shown at last year's New York Auto Show, and public reaction was so positive the automaker decided to build a production version. <br>
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``An Internet poll taken immediately after the unveiling show that almost 90 percent loved the vehicle and begged us to build it,'' said Chrysler Group president and chief executive Dieter Zetsche, in a statement. <br>
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Production begins during the first quarter of 2004 at the Toluca, Mexico-based assembly plant, and the cars will arrive in showrooms soon thereafter, the automaker said. Pricing has not been set. Current models of the PT Cruiser carry base sticker prices from $16,275-$22,680. <br>
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The convertible PT Cruiser will be a two door, four-seater. The current hardtop has four doors. The rear seat in both versions can be folded down to add cargo space. <br>
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The PT Cruiser has been one of the most successful vehicles in the Chrysler Group's lineup since it was introduced two years ago with more than 310,000 sold worldwide according to the automaker. <br>
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Specialty versions such as the Flame, Woodie and Dream Cruiser have also been offered in limited numbers in North America and Europe. <br>
