DaimlerChrysler has announced a slew of new colors that could be availble for 2003 Jeeps

Color. When purchasing a brand new vehicle, car buyers rank color right next to make and model when formulating their new vehicle wish list. For 2003, Chrysler Group's color experts predict that silver, and new hues influenced by silver, will be popular in the new 2003 model year, which begins this fall.

"From automobiles to appliances, silver will be a strong color for many mainstream products," said Margaret Hackstedde, Director of Color, Fabric and Mastering Design, Chrysler Group. "In fact, one out of every four vehicles that we sell is silver. For the 2003 model year, we'll start to introduce fresh, new silver-influenced hues on our cars, trucks and minivans. Silver is a technical, refined color that reflects the continuing technology boom. We'll also see blue, along with a variety of blue shades, emerge as a popular color choice in 2003."

To formulate colors for future automobiles, Chrysler Group employs a creative staff dedicated solely to developing color ideas. With a two- to three-year timeframe for bringing a new automobile to market, the challenge for an automotive designer is to predict which colors will be popular in the distant future. Chrysler Group typically offers 10 different colors for each of its models.

"We refer to industry color forecasts, including the Color Marketing Group and the International Color Authority, in order to validate our color direction," said Hackstedde. "We have our fingers on the pulse of which colors will be popular in the future."

New exterior color choices for 2003 Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep(R) vehicles include Satin Jade, Sapphire Silver, Butane Blue, Light Blue, Electric Blue, Deep Lava Red, Blaze Red Crystal, Deep Red, Cactus Green, Timberline Green, Light Khaki and Brilliant Black Crystal.