Brian Campbell, a software consultant in Malibu, Calif., saw the PT Cruiser in magazines and at the Texas State Fair last October. Several signs indicate that demand for the PT Cruiser will outrun supply this year. Chrysler has logged 250,000 requests for information on the PT Cruiser, but will build 60,000 for the United States this year. In recent years, only a few foreign models such as the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle have proven so popular with buyers. Automakers discourage such practices, afraid they will anger customers, but are powerless to stop them.
Dealers take a different view.
Calif. Chrysler took the unusual step of showing off prototype PT Cruisers at college football games and state fairs last year to drum up buzz. And it kept the price tag low enough that the vehicle was accessible to younger buyers. Chrysler will build about 100,000 PT Cruisers this year. The company plans to build about 180,000 a year once production is up to full speed. Competitors will be watching the public reaction once the splash from the first PT Cruisers fades.