The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG has joined rivals Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. in extending zero percent financing into 2002. The interest-free loans will be available through Jan. 8 on 36-month contracts for most 2002 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge cars and trucks, Chrysler announced on Nov. 19.

The automaker, in the middle of a major restructuring, made no other changes to its financing offers.

Low-interest rates are available on longer-term loans, and the deals exclude the popular Chrysler PT Cruiser and Prowler, Dodge Viper, Jeep Liberty and some Chrysler and Dodge minivans.

Chrysler is following similar moves made the previous week by GM and Ford. GM will offer free loans through Jan. 2; Ford will keep

the discounts going until Jan. 14.

Chrysler, with a goal of returning to profitability by 2003, has been the most conservative of Detroit's automakers, limiting free financing to the shortest-term loans and excluding the company's most popular vehicles. GM and Ford followed suit when they recently extended their offers into January.

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