January 28, 2005

Chrysler Group to auction first 2006 Dodge Charger on e-Bay

Auburn Hills, Michigan - Following the introduction of the new 2006 Dodge Charger this month in Detroit, Chrysler Group is auctioning the NASCAR body shell used in the press reveal along with first volume production Dodge Charger to roll off the line at its Brampton, Ontario assembly plant.

Click image to enlarge

"The King," Richard Petty, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series title winner and legendary Dodge Charger driver will personally deliver the keys to the top bidder at the May 7, 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway. The auction proceeds will benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Salvation Army based in the United States.

The mock race car shell is a replica of NASCAR Rookie-of-the-Year driver Kasey Kahne's No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger. The shell covered the production version of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger as it was revealed to more than 3,500 international media in a press conference at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Petty and Kahne took part in the introduction of the vehicle representing the past and present of Dodge dominance in NASCAR racing. The NASCAR shell has been autographed by Petty, Kahne and Chrysler Group President and CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

"We thought, what better way to support two worthy charitable organizations than by auctioning both items and offering the chance to meet the King himself, Richard Petty," said Zetsche.

Bidding will begin at www.eBay.com/charger on Feb. 1. Residents living in the continental U.S. and Canada are eligible to place bids. Proceeds from the winning bid will be shared between two U.S. not-for-profit organizations: Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Salvation Army. The auction will close on Feb. 11, 2005.

Victory Junction Gang Camp is a not-for-profit organization founded by actor Paul Newman and Kyle and Pattie Petty with the goal of enriching the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Salvation Army, also a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to caring for the poor, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked world-wide.

The 2006 Dodge Charger will go on sale later this year

More News....