DaimlerChrysler begins production this month of Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus sedans meeting California’s stringent clean air standards, making them among the cleanest-running internal combustion vehicles in the world. All 2004 Sebring and Stratus sedans equipped with the 2.4-Liter I-4 engine and sold in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine will be certified to meet California's Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standard. Tailpipe emissions have been reduced to near zero levels, with emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) reduced 89 percent compared with the previous model and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) reduced 93 percent. HC and NOx are the two primary components of smog. “We engineered crisp performance and a high level of customer convenience and safety into these uniquely-styled vehicles,” said Larry Lyons, vice president – Small Vehicle Product Team. “Now our engineers have reduced emissions to the lowest levels of any passenger vehicles on the road.” To be certified as PZEVs, vehicles must meet stringent emission standards established under California clean air rules:

• Tailpipe emissions meeting the Super Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard
  

• Zero evaporative emissions from the fuel tank and fuel system
  

• Emission control equipment warranted for 15 years or 150,000 miles.

  The five-passenger Sebring and Stratus sedans have been redesigned for the 2004 model year. The vehicles achieve fuel economy of 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. The vehicles have also received Five Star ratings in frontal crash tests, the government’s highest crash test rating.