DaimlerChrysler announced today that Camp Jeep 2000, an innovative customer relationship marketing program, has been expanded to three full days and will be returning to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains August 10-12. Held at the Oak Ridge Estate, near Charlottesville, Camp Jeep will offer Jeep® vehicle owners from across the country the opportunity to learn more about the capabilities of their vehicles while enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities.

More than 8,000 people from 42 states gathered this past August for Camp Jeep 1999, making it the ``largest city'' in Virginia's rural Nelson County. Since its inception in 1995, more than 20,000 people from 48 states and several countries have made Camp Jeep their summer vacation destination.

``We place a great emphasis on building one-to-one relationships with our customers in unique and interactive ways,'' said Lou Bitonti, Senior Manager for Jeep Direct Marketing. ``The enthusiastic response to Camp Jeep demonstrates that Jeep vehicles mean much more to people than just a mode of transportation. People from all over the country come to this 'summer camp' for Jeep owners not only to learn more about what their vehicles can do, but to meet with other owners, Jeep representatives and enjoy a wide variety of adventurous outdoor activities.''

For many, the highlight of Camp Jeep is the Jeep 101 off-road driving course designed to teach owners basic off-road driving skills, safety and the capabilities of Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Wrangler. Participants are paired with an experienced guide as they negotiate steep downhill grades and encounter large rocks, log-crossings, sand and other off-road obstacles. In addition to the Jeep 101 courses, owners can chose from a variety of scenic guided off-road trails where they can apply the skills learned.

``Our goal is for our owners to leave as safer, more environmentally conscious and educated drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles and to have a stronger affinity to the Jeep family,'' added Bitonti.

Designed with the true outdoor enthusiast in mind, Camp Jeep 2000 will include three full days of expanded outdoor and educational activities, including mountain biking, kayaking, fly-casting clinics, archery, outdoor wilderness survival clinics, a 50-foot Adventure Tower, outdoor concerts and a variety of children's activities. Engineering roundtable discussions provide owners the chance to meet with Jeep engineers to have questions answered and share ideas and viewpoints.

``We consider Camp Jeep a 'gateway to adventure,' providing owners the opportunity to use their vehicles as a passport to the great outdoors,'' said Bitonti. ``Virginia's many rich historical characteristics provide the perfect setting for Camp Jeep and a unique family vacation.''

Camp Jeep '99 sold-out months in advance, and organizers for the 2000 event are encouraging interested owners to register early by calling 800-789-JEEP. Registration is $275 per Jeep vehicle (there is no per person charge) and includes participation in all Camp Jeep activities, exhibits and the Saturday evening concert. Interested owners can also register online, as well as get more information about Camp Jeep 2000, by visiting http://www.jeepunpaved.com/camp_jeep.