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Quieter Interior Coming to 2001 Jeep(R) Wrangler Soft Tops

1 September 2000

Quieter Interior Coming to 2001 Jeep(R) Wrangler Soft Tops; New Sport Utility Vehicle Topping by Haartz and Kinetex Significantly Decreases Noise

    DETROIT, Sept. 1 Ahhh ... listening to the radio and
having conversations in a more quiet driving environment is a reality for
drivers of the 2001 Jeep(R) Wrangler soft tops, as the vehicle features an
acoustically superior soft top roof system that reduces cabin noise by an
average of 3.2 decibels as compared to the predecessor material.
    The new soft top material was developed by The Haartz Corp. and
incorporated into the new Jeep top by Decoma International's Kinetex and
DaimlerChrysler Corporation's Jeep Soft Top Systems Engineering Team for the
2001 Jeep Wrangler, which is now available.
    "It's like a miracle.  It's hard to believe the difference," wrote an
enthusiastic owner of a 1997 Jeep Wrangler, after experiencing a Wrangler that
had this new top material.  "It is more stable, quieter, easy to care for and
even better looking than the original.  Also, the material stays supple and is
easy to maneuver."
        "Haartz is proud to partner with Kinetex and DaimlerChrysler's Jeep
Engineering to supply a construction that not only reduces cabin noise, but
also is more robust, aesthetically pleasing and withstands various weather
conditions," said John M. Capron, Haartz vice president, sales and marketing -
exteriors.
    Kinetex General Manager Ross MacLean said, "Implementing engineering
solutions to real-world problems in record time is the mark of a model tier
one supplier.  The realization of the change will significantly enhance
consumer acceptance of the new Jeep Wrangler soft top system."
    The Jeep Soft Top Team, in conjunction with Kinetex Engineering, conducted
extensive evaluation of the new material including wind tunnel and durability
tests.  This testing concluded that the new Haartz material provided not only
a measurable decrease in cabin noise but proved superior for wear-resistance,
all-season weatherability and tear-resistance with minimal gain in overall
part weight.
    According to Capron, the 3.2-decibel reduction in cabin noise -- validated
in both laboratory and field testing -- is a significant reduction in the
intensity of noise within the vehicle over the entire range of frequencies
encountered during normal driving conditions.
    "At Haartz, we continue to research and develop new composites that will
meet, and even exceed, the ever-changing requirements for convertible and SUV
toppings," Capron said.  "The significant improvements that we've achieved for
the Jeep Wrangler and similar programs are a testimony to our research and
development efforts."