TOLUCA, Mexico, and SPARTANBURG, S.C. (March 10, 2006) # While scores of Americans have been jumping of late on the "Deal or No Deal" bandwagon to see if gyrating, shouting contestants will win $1 million on the popular TV show, both DaimlerChrysler and BMW have reached their own 1-million milestones.

{mosgoogle}On Wednesday, a large crowd comprised of DaimlerChrysler Toluca Assembly Plant employees and invited guests jubilantly celebrated the news that the Toluca facility recently reached a major high point # the production of the 1 millionth Chrysler PT Cruiser.

The Toluca Assembly Plant is home of the Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan and convertible models. Production began in March 2000.

The festive salute came on the heels of a $1-billion joint investment announcement this week between DaimlerChrysler and its suppliers to modernize and re-tool its Mexican manufacturing operations and to create two industrial parks for suppliers.

"This significant manufacturing milestone reflects the global market demand for the Chrysler PT Cruiser," said Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour. "The Chrysler PT Cruiser set new world standards with its unique styling and interior roominess. The bottom line is that consumers are demanding more of our remarkable products, and our Toluca Assembly Plant employees played a key role in the success of this vehicle."

Twelve years after the first car rolled off the production line, BMW Manufacturing Co. has also manufactured its own millionth car.

According to BMW officials, the millionth vehicle that came off the line on Feb. 28 was a Z4 M Roadster, "in Interlagos Blue with a champagne leather individual interior, custom ash-walnut wood trim, 18-inch alloy wheels and an engine that takes the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds."

Company officials said "due to its historical significance to BMW and the South Carolina factory, the roadster will remain at the factory in the Zentrum museum as part of the BMW Mobile Tradition Collection."

About 4,500 associates now work at the Upstate South Carolina plant, BMW officials said, as compared with some 2,000 employees when production began.