Manufacturer DaimlerChrysler (2001-07) Chrysler LLC (2008-present) Magna Steyr (2002) Production 2001–2009 Assembly Toluca, Mexico Graz, Austria (2002) Class Compact Body style(s) 2-door convertible 4-door station wagon/hatchback Layout FF layout Platform Chrysler PT platform Engine(s) 2.4 L EDZ I4 Transmission(s) 5-speed Getrag manual 4-speed 41TE automatic Wheelbase 2615 mm (103.0 in) Length 2006-present: 4290 mm (168.9 in) 2001-05: 4288 mm (168.8 in) Width 1705 mm (67.1 in) Height 1600 mm (63.0 in) Convertible: 1540 mm (60.6 in) Designer Bryan Nesbitt The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a typically American "retro"-styled station wagon or hatchback built by Chrysler, launched in 2000 as the entry-level Chrysler. The PT Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won the North American Car of the Year award that year. Officially, the "PT" stands for "Personal Transportation," but the initials also designate the car's platform. According to Consumer Guide and the PT Cruiser Club the "PT" stands for "Personal Transportation". It has also claimed the Neon was based on the Chrysler PL platform, or "Platform Low," while the Cruiser was based on the Chrysler PT platform, for "Platform Tall."[attribution needed] "PT" was also the production code for the PT Cruiser. Unofficially, the name may stand for "Plymouth Truck", as it harks back to the 1930s line of Plymouth Trucks (known by the "PT" moniker). The original concept car was a Plymouth; the Chrysler brand adopted the production car when the Plymouth brand was discontinued. In a November, 2007 strategy move to help return the automaker to profitability, Chrysler first announced plans to discontinue the convertible version of the now slow selling vehicle. This announcement was followed later in the month by an official announcement that the company would cease production of the remaining versions of the vehicle after the 2009 model year.[1]