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Chrysler Group News

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‘Under the Pentastar’ for Feb. 3

“Under the Pentastar” features video highlights of Chrysler Group LLC news from the past week. This week’s highlights include:

– Year-end financial results include a $183 million profit, the first full-year profit since 2005;

– January sales soar 44 percent;

– Mopar® celebrates its 75th anniversary and reveals four custom vehicles;

– Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant celebrates the production of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart and plans to add more than 1,800 jobs on a third crew.

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:07:18

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Mopar® launches program to expand dealership presence, merchandise

The Mopar® brand is launching a series of initiatives to expand and improve its presence at Chrysler Group dealerships, as well improve customers’ experience with dealers and the company’s brands.

After recently launching a new owner-center website, where customers register their vehicles online for personalized service and customer care, Mopar will re-launch a new version of its Mopar e-Store and introduce a new FlexTech program for Chrysler Group dealers. And to continue to its celebration of the 75th anniversary of the brand, Mopar will introduce new merchandise.

FlexTech, a new program designed to raise awareness of the Mopar brand, engages customers in Chrysler Group dealerships and enhances the overall customer experience. Mopar will introduce the new FlexTech program at the 2012 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Expo in Las Vegas, Feb. 3-6.

The FlexTech program offers Chrysler Group dealers flexible, new Mopar-branded merchandising displays, furniture and graphics for dealership showrooms, customer waiting areas, retail shops and service departments.

“From new, contemporary waiting rooms to our new owner centers, dealers attending the NADA convention will see our vision of the customer experience within our dealerships,” Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO—Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, said. “Our new program is designed to foster customer loyalty to the dealership and further support all of our brands.”

Customers soon will see the Mopar brand more prominently in Chrysler Group dealerships.

“Mopar’s effort to enhance the customer experience complements our dealer standards initiative which has dramatically increased the skill and competency of dealership personnel, has prompted many of our dealers to renovate and modernize their facilities, and has transformed our new-car showrooms into proper showcases for our brands,” Peter Grady, Vice President—Network Development and Fleet.

Chrysler Group dealers have been asking the Mopar brand for attractive displays in their showrooms and dealerships that better present Mopar parts, accessories and apparel.

Owner Centers: A new owner-center website offers personalized features and services to meet customer needs. The new website enables Chrysler Group vehicle owners to view vehicle information and service history, learn how to use vehicle features, develop customized vehicle galleries and receive special offers. Owners simply enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they’re good to go. Dealers may provide this feature in new Media Centers offered by Mopar.

Mopar e-Store: Chrysler Group dealers have the opportunity to add a new Mopar e-Store to their website. This new intuitive parts and accessories shopping experience includes easy filtering of parts and accessories by vehicle make/model/trim or by VIN. The new store includes the full Mopar catalog, with new parts added throughout the year. Consumers will have the ability to see how Mopar accessories can enhance the look of their vehicle through a 3-D visualizer that is embedded in both the online and in-dealership experiences.

75th anniversary merchandise: In celebration of Mopar’s 75th anniversary, a unique line of merchandise will be available. From items that showcase Mopar’s heritage logos to those that feature the anniversary badge, the range of product will vary from unique gift sets to custom-designed jackets.

FlexTech: Offerings are available for many areas of the dealership.

Showroom: New features include literature racks that hold Mopar brochures; attractive glass pillar display cases that act as brand beacons to showcase Mopar accessories and apparel; tabletop displays for small impulse-purchase items like touch-up paint and even Mopar floor graphics that adhere to linoleum floor surfaces.

Retail Shop: Retail merchandisers—highly flexible racks—have the capacity to display everything from Mopar-branded hats and T-shirts to antifreeze, RPM gauges, and authentic Mopar parts. If a dealership does not have a retail shop area, these mobile merchandise fixtures work well just about anywhere in the dealership. The more traditional wall-mounted fixtures also are available.

Brand Exploration Wall: Mopar has a long, rich history of 75 years. This nine-panel wall is a dynamic visual that tells the Mopar brand story. For example, the heritage panels inform customers that the Mopar brand was created in 1937, and the name was formed by combining the words “MOtor” and “PARrts.” The magnetic graphic panels may be changed easily for different themes and promotions.

Service Drive: The same type of signs and graphics used by the Mopar brand at auto shows now are available for the dealership service drive. Painted service lane graphics and overhead signs direct customers to the appropriate lane—“Express Lane” for a quick oil change or “Service” for maintenance and repairs. Customers and service advisors interact at stylish brushed-aluminum service desks, while Web-based Service Media Centers display service menus, videos, and advertisements.

Tire and Maintenance: This zone features a variety of mobile and wall-mounted tire and wheel racks, as well as displays for wiper blades and floor mats.

Waiting Room: Customers can work on their laptops while seated at a contemporary Owner Media Bar when waiting for their vehicle to be serviced. Dealers also can choose contemporary luxury chairs, stools, standard chairs and coffee tables for their waiting room, as well as wall graphics, a comment card box, individual workstations and soffits for lighting.

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:33:28

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Two Formula One stars will sport new Grand Cherokee SRT8® SUVs

Today, two specially prepared models of the new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8®, the most powerful and best-handling Jeep vehicle ever, were delivered to Scuderia Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy.

The identically built vehicles were handed over to the two star drivers by Beth Paretta, Director—Marketing and Operations-SRT Brand and Motorsports. Each Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features an aggressive exterior look with an SRT-exclusive design, which adds classic Ferrari brand styling cues and the unmistakable Rosso Corsa signature color.

The iconic, seven-slot Jeep front grille is painted matte black and features custom red inserts. A race-inspired, offset black driver’s stripe with a white accent customizes the front and rear bumpers, hood, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler.

Additional exclusive details include a matte black painted dual-pane sunroof, carbon fiber mirror caps and a gloss black rear light bar with red accents on the Jeep logo. To complete the unique exterior trim of the two custom-built SRT8 models, the Italian flag has been painted on the underside of the rear spoiler - a tribute to the Ferrari F150º Formula One car.

Ride height has been lowered 1.5 inches and both vehicles ride on unique forged aluminum, 20-inch wheels painted black giving them an even more aggressive stance.

In line with the vehicle’s custom exterior, the interior cabin is enhanced by exclusive Ferrari Red leather inserts on the seats with sculpted bolsters. Also the door trim panels, the central armrest and the instrument panel boast exclusive red leather.

The leather-wrapped SRT8 steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters features red contrasting stitching. The unique instrument cluster features yellow dials which give the cabin the look of the GT cars produced in Maranello.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by the all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that turns off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required to ensure increased fuel economy. Thanks to the powerful HEMI V-8 powertrain delivering 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 465 (630 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque, the SRT8 model achieves benchmark performance of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range, can cover the quarter mile in the mid-13 second range, has a top speed of 160 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in 116 feet.

“We’re excited and proud to be able to share ‘Ferrari-style’ custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world,” Paretta said. “We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors.

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep’s world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts.”

The two, uniquely customized Grand Cherokee SRT8 models are based on the new high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV set to arrive in Europe, where it will be available in Jeep brand dealerships starting this summer.

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:35:21

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Belvidere plant to add 1,800 jobs; addition of third crew confirmed

Chrysler Group LLC today announced that it will add about 1,800 jobs at its Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant, which includes the addition of a third crew and hundreds of jobs by the third quarter of this year for production of the all-new Dodge Dart.

With these new jobs, the company will have added nearly 4,000 hourly jobs in the United States since the formation of the new company in June 2009.

Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed the plans during a ceremony at the plant with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Belvidere Mayor Frederic Brereton, UAW Region 4 Director Ron McInroy and hundreds of employees.

The last time Belvidere ran three shifts was in March 2008 when there were about 3,600 employees. Included in the 1,800 positions are nearly 500 jobs being added to launch production of the Dodge Dart in the second quarter of 2012. When all hiring is complete, the Belvidere employee population will increase from 2,700 to more than 4,500.

In addition to the jobs announcement, Marchionne acknowledged that the previously announced $600 million investment in a new 638,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art body shop had grown to nearly $700 million. The investment also included the installation of new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment exclusively for the production of the Dodge Dart.

“It was not by chance that we chose Belvidere to make this investment and build the new Dodge Dart,” Marchionne told employees. “Our decision is evidence of the faith we have in your level of commitment and your passion to deliver great products for our customers. You have been essential in our ability to author a remarkable story of recovery.

“I want to thank Gov. Quinn, Mayor Brereton and the UAW for working with us to bring jobs, investment and a new product to this area,” Marchionne added. “With their help and this dedicated work force, we are creating a work environment here in Belvidere that is dedicated to quality, and with the flexibility to compete with the best plants anywhere in the world.”

“This announcement is proof that America’s auto industry is indeed back,” General Holiefield, UAW Vice President—Chrysler Department, said. “With the continued commitment and hard work of its UAW-represented workers, Chrysler will continue to add more good manufacturing jobs and introduce more industry-leading vehicles, securing the future for the company and its entire work force.”
 
Third Crew to operate on 3-2-120 pattern
The new jobs will be added as part of an innovative operating pattern that allows the plant to run an additional 49 days per year. The 3-2-120 schedule, as the operating pattern is called, use three crews, working four 10-hour straight-time days per week for a total of 120 hours of production time. A typical two-shift production schedule provides 80 hours per week of production time. Compared with a traditional plant schedule, individual employees on a 3-2-120 schedule work 49 fewer days per year, but the plant operates 49 more days.

Those interested in working at the Belvidere Assembly Plant can apply online at www.hourlychryslerjobs.com. Salaried and skilled trades positions can be found at www.chryslercareers.com.

First Fiat-derived vehicle comes from Belvidere
Belvidere is the first facility to build a Chrysler Group vehicle featuring a Fiat-derived architecture, adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. In addition to the Dodge Dart, the Belvidere Assembly Plant currently builds the Jeep® Compass and Jeep Patriot.

“The truth is that you are working in a plant that is an example of the kind of mosaic we aim to create between our two companies, Chrysler and Fiat,” Marchionne said. “A mosaic in which each piece has a clear identity and yet is interconnected with the other pieces, forming a strong overall design.”

The 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodge’s passion for performance. The all-new Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s beautifully designed and crafted, agile and fun-to-drive. Loaded with useful, easy-to-use technology, class-leading safety features, including an unsurpassed 10 air bags and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart offers unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will have a starting U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15,995 and will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T.

Preparing Belvidere to produce the Dodge Dart
Belvidere continues to implement World Class Manufacturing (WCM), a methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing productivity, improving quality and safety and restoring dignity to the employees. In 2011, Belvidere employees submitted more than 20,000 suggestions and implemented more than 3,400 projects that have a potential annualized savings of $32 million.

At the same time the plant focused on WCM improvements, an all-new, state-of-the-art body shop, which will exclusively produce the Dart; a new Metrology Center; and a Center for Technical Vehicle Validation (CTVV) – the first such quality center in a U.S. Chrysler Group plant – were added to ensure that the Dart launches with the highest quality.

The plant also made changes to the assembly line to accommodate the Dart’s unique architecture. For example, more stations were added on the Chassis line to facilitate the installation of the Dart’s front end module, which comes to the plant already assembled and is installed later in the process. As a result, line operators can work in the engine compartment without having to navigate the front end module or bending underneath the vehicle as they have to do with the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot.

The installation of the instrument panel was another area of the line that required change because of the unique requirements of the Dart. The plant tried to commonize the instrument panel installation arm with the Compass and Patriot, but couldn’t find an appropriate solution. As a result, there are two instrument panel installation arms on the line—one for the Compass and Patriot, and the other for the Dart.

A couple of years ago, the team at Belvidere developed a “happy seat” to allow a line operator to slide into the door opening of a car to more safely and easily install the fasteners for the side air bags on the Compass and Patriot. The idea proved to be so successful at reducing motion injuries and improving quality that the Dart now has its own “happy seat” for the installation of the overhead counsel.

The plant also insourced production of the front and rear suspensions for the all-new Dart, so there are now two new lines feeding the decking line where there were previously none.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant was completed in 1965 and produced its first car on July 7, 1965.

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:55:04

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Ram Truck brand presents all-star country music series

The “Road to the Ram Jam” series will be the ultimate country music fan experience. It will help bring country music fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through country radio stations nationwide, free music downloads, as well as a chance to win trips for two to the exclusive Ram Jam concert.

For those with Internet access, more information on the “Road to the Ram Jam” and enter the sweepstakes at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam. Employees and their direct relatives are not eligible to enter the contest; see contest rules on the website for details.

BNA recording artist Kellie Pickler, who recently released her new album “100 Proof,” is the first artist to help launch the series. She is offering fans a chance to win a free download of her latest single, “Tough,” when they enter to win a trip for two to the Ram Jam concert.

The remaining four participating artists will be announced throughout the year. All five artists will receive a one-year lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds going to benefit a military-focused charity of each artist’s choice.

“‘Road to the Ram Jam’ extends the brand’s already established alignment with many of today’s top country music artists by creating an innovative platform for promoting the artists’ music and connecting with their fans,” Fred Diaz, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand, said. “We are excited to have Kellie and all the artists drive a Laramie Longhorn and experience firsthand the quality and refinement that make it the most luxurious Ram Truck ever produced by the company.”

Fans of the Ram Jam website can check out behind-the-scenes video footage of Pickler in her Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn as she discusses her love for trucks, her new album “100 Proof,” and how she continues to show support for our troops with help from the USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families. Pickler has chosen the USO (USO.org) and their services that support wounded, ill and injured warriors as the charity to receive proceeds from the auction of her Longhorn truck in 2013. To learn more about USO Warrior and Family Care visit, uso.org/warriorandfamilycare.

“The first thing I learned to drive was my grandpa’s truck, so I’m definitely a truck girl,” Pickler said. “I’m excited to be part of Ram Truck’s ‘Road to the Ram Jam.’ We’re going to have a lot of fun on that ‘Road’—me and my Laramie. I’m also excited that we will be auctioning off my Ram truck at the end of the year to benefit our veterans in need.”

Contest rules

The Road to the Ram Jam sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are ineligible.

No purchase or payment of money is necessary to win. The sweepstakes runs from Feb. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2012. Official rules and complete details are found at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:50

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Toledo North employee stars in industry ad campaign

A Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant employee is one of the stars in an industry-sponsored campaign to tell Americans, particularly the nation’s political leaders, about the job-supporting significance of the auto industry in the country.

Pam Bialecki, an hourly employee at the Toledo North plant, appears in a short video as well as in a print ad for the campaign, “8 Million Jobs Supported by the Auto Industry.” The video is part of the campaign that began running in Washington, D.C.-based publications, their online sites as well as on city buses on Jan. 26 in conjunction with the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show.

The video segment was filmed in December at the Toledo plant and, for those with Internet access, can be viewed along with other material and information at the alliance website, www.JobsFromAutos.com. Click “Profiles” and then “Pam Bialecki” to view the video.

Bialecki, who has worked for the company for 26 years, said the camera crew filmed her during a regular shift on the production line. She only had to remember a couple of lines for the camera, but the production line was never stopped, Bialecki said.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (the Auto Alliance) is an association of 12 new vehicle manufacturers including the Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Mercedes-Benz USA and Toyota.

“Today, 8 million Americans and their families depend on automobiles for their livelihoods,” the Alliance says on its website. “Automakers directly employ 1.7 million people to design, engineer, manufacture and supply parts to assemble, sell and service new motor vehicles. When indirect and community support jobs are added, automakers support a total of 3.1 million jobs nationwide. Suppliers support another 3.3 million workers, and dealers support 1.5 million (direct, indirect and spin-off jobs).”

Bialecki, who also has two brothers and three cousins at the plant, is one of 1,800 people employed at Toledo North—home of the Jeep® Liberty. The filming only took a couple of hours, but she’s gotten days of good ribbing from co-workers since, Bialecki said.

“This job means a lot to my family,” Bialecki said in the ad. “We get to live the American dream and have the quality of life that we like. I get to keep sending my kids to school and paying for it, that’s what means a lot to me.”

The plant recently received a $500 million investment and there are plans to add a second shift in 2013, which will bring in an additional 1,100 workers. Bialecki knows firsthand that plants like hers help enrich the economic health and prosperity of local communities, the ad says.

“I think it’s important for us to continue this plant here in Toledo because this is where it all started,” Bialecki said in the ad. “I think the community would be very disappointed if we built them somewhere else. This is the home of the Jeep and this is where it’s got to be.”

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:31

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Music video from the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit

With lots of new products and a large turnout of visitors, the 2012 North American International Auto Show signaled the auto industry’s and the Chrysler Group’s recovery.

For those of you who missed getting to the show in Detroit, here’s a video summary of what Chrysler Group and other manufacturers had on display.

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:46:24

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Fiat 500L to debut at Geneva motor show

The Fiat brand will reveal the Fiat 500L, an all-new model that expands the appeal of the brand’s iconic Fiat 500, at the Geneva motor show on March 6.

With its Italian design and city-friendly functionality, Fiat’s new five-passenger model expands the brand’s style and efficiency in the growing B-segment. The new Fiat 500L—the L stands for ‘large’—will follow the U.S. introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth this spring and a full-electric version of the Fiat 500.

The Fiat 500L will be produced at the Fiat plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive in the United States in 2013.

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:47:34

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January sales jump 22%, making company No. 1 in Canada

Chrysler Canada today announced the company’s 26th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth.

January sales were 16,584 compared with 13,587 in January 2011, representing a 22 percent increase and the highest sales of any automaker in Canada. This month also marked the highest retail January sales since 2002.

“We have been the fastest growing automaker in Canada for the past two years, and it is great to start 2012 as the highest-selling vehicle company in Canada,” Dave Buckingham, Chief Operating Officer of Chrysler Canada, said. “We have always been one of Canada’s highest-selling truck companies, but with our fuel-efficient passenger car sales more than doubling last month, we have become the number one seller of vehicles overall.”

Passenger car sales at Chrysler Canada more than doubled from 2011, with 2,527 units sold in January. This was led primarily by sales of the made-in-Canada Chrysler 300, which saw an increase of 260 percent from the year prior with 457 sales reported in January 2012.

Another strong car story was in the cards for Dodge Charger, which had sales of 670 units this month, compared with 161 units in 2011. This represents an increase of 316 percent and sets a January record for Dodge Charger.

The Jeep® brand saw another stellar month with brand sales up 31 percent from January 2011. The ever-popular Jeep Wrangler set a January sales record with 729 units sold, up 42 percent from January 2011. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were 999 units, compared with 759 in 2011, representing a 32 percent increase. Jeep Compass and Patriot sales were up 57 and 19 percent, respectively, with 457 units and 644 units, respectively, sold in January 2012.

Just a few months after its introduction, the all-new Ram Cargo Van experienced a great January with 475 units sold. Another Ram truck record was set in January with 4,345 units, up 15 percent over the previous record set one year ago.

Canada’s best-selling crossover, Dodge Journey, which is also a contender for “Utility Vehicle of the Year” in the annual AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) competition, set a January record with 1,951 units sold, representing an 11 percent increase from 2011.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:08:35

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Compass, Ram vehicles help push Mexico January sales up 4%

Chrysler de Mexico today reported January 2012 sales of 7,516 units, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in January 2011.

“This new year marks a good beginning and continues improving our sales levels. We are on the right path, and we will bring new and exciting products to our customers, with state-of-the-art technology and avant-garde Italian design. We closed 2011 with great results, and 2012 will be better for us,” Fred Diaz, President and CEO–Chrysler de Mexico and Ram Truck Brand, said.

Among the highlights for the month is the Jeep® Compass, which continued its momentum in the market and posted a gain of 201 percent year-over-year with 410 units sold.

Sales for the Ram Truck brand also rose by 18 percent (1,403 units) versus the same month last year, led by the strong performance of Crew Cab models, which were up 51 percent to 414 units for January.

Dodge Charger sales increased by 400 percent to 75 units for the month, while the Chrysler 300C and the Chrysler 200 continue to gain in the marketplace.

Fiat and Alfa Romeo brand sales grew by 370 percent year-over-year. The Fiat 500, built in Toluca, Mexico, is up 345 percent for the month as compared with January 2011.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:02:20

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‘Collector’s Curb’ series continues with ‘Imperial Aspirations’ at museum

The “Collector’s Curb” will continue at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Mich., as the specialty exhibit series enters a second year of spotlighting spectacular vehicles on loan from private owners in celebration of their car clubs.

Through Sunday, Feb. 26, the museum is highlighting “Imperial Aspirations,” the first installation in the 2012 “Collector’s Curb” series. The special pairing of the 1967 and 1981 Imperial models is prominently exhibited on the museum’s second floor along with specification labels and an array of personal memorabilia.

While car enthusiasts collect for many reasons, the result of their time, passion and elbow grease is always the same—a piece of Chrysler heritage that may have otherwise faded away is preserved. In honor of this important hobby the museum partners with local car clubs to invite collectors throughout metropolitan Detroit to park their cars along the “Collector’s Curb” and share their stories.

“Imperial Aspirations” features a 1967 Imperial convertible owned by Wayne and Sue Simonson of Ray Township, Mich., on behalf of the WPC Club, and a 1981 Chrysler Imperial owned by Chris Vitale of St. Clair Shores, Mich., on behalf of the Online Imperial Club.

Chrysler upped the ante in the luxury car department in 1967 by updating its Imperial with stylish unibody construction, well-appointed interiors and a 440 V-8 engine. In 1981, after a six-year absence, the long-running Imperial brand reappeared with major electronic features such as digital instrument panel displays, a multifunctional trip computer and electronic fuel injection.

When “Imperial Aspirations” drives off, the “Collector’s Curb” will feature the following vehicle pairings throughout the year:

“Heavy Metal” Feb. 28–April 29: Featuring a 1996 GTS Viper owned by Chrysler Employee Motorsport Association (CEMA) Club member Lori Emerling of Troy, Mich., and a 1998 GTS-R Viper owned by Tom Abrams of Canton, Mich.

“Tricked Out Trucks” May 1–June 24: Spotlighting a 1941 Plymouth Pick-up owned by WPC Club member Pat Opipari of Clinton Township, Mich., and a 1979 Midnight Express owned by CEMA Club member Doug Kline of White Lake, Mich.

“Mighty Mopars” June 26–Aug. 26: Showcasing the 1964 Plymouth Belvedere Petty Replica owned by WPC Club member Ray Mrosewske of Chesterfield Township, Mich., and a 1965 Dodge A/FX owned by North Oakland Mopar Muscle member Mike Pollock of Troy.

“Dodge–Classic and Modern” Aug. 28–Oct. 28: Featuring a 1926 Dodge owned by Dodge Brothers Club member Barry Cogan of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., and a 1959 Dodge Royal Lancer owned by WPC Club member Wayne Snyder of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

“Orphans Plymouth and DeSoto” Oct. 30–Dec. 30: Showcasing a 1935 Plymouth owned by Plymouth Owners Club member Judy Sherman of Orchard Lake, Mich., and a 1937 DeSoto owned by WPC Club member Burke Brown of Milford, Mich.

“Collector’s Curb” exhibition vehicles may unexpectedly change. For those with Internet access, visit www.wpchryslermuseum.org or e-mail events@wpchryslermuseum.org to confirm.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is open for self-guided tours 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed every Monday, Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving and Dec. 24, 25 and 31.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older) and $4 for 6–12 year olds and includes the specialty exhibits. Children five and under are admitted free. A discount rate of $4 per person is available for groups of 15 or larger. Two-for-one admission coupons are available on the museum’s website at www.wpchryslermuseum.org.

Located on the Chrysler Group LLC complex in Auburn Hills, the museum is available for corporate and private meetings and events and offers a K-12 education program as well as membership and volunteer opportunities. Families can enjoy the Kids’ Corner, with regular museum admission, an area for pre-school and elementary school-age children to enjoy automotive-inspired puzzles, games, projects, books and coloring activities.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is a nonprofit and donations are tax deductible.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:57:51

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Company’s refinancing deal named ‘Americas Financing Package of the Year’

Chrysler Group LLC will receive an award today for “Americas Financing Package of the Year” from Thomson Reuters International Financing Review magazine.

The publication is honoring Chrysler Group for “defying all odds, repaying billions of dollars in debt and providing a fresh start” by refinancing and repaying its U.S. and Canadian government loans in full, with interest, six years early.

The publication credits Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne’s “deep involvement in Chrysler and the added certainty of a $1.27 billion equity investment from Fiat” for “defying all odds” and giving investors the boost of confidence needed to complete the deal.

The financing package award is one of 11 new awards being presented this year. Winners were selected by IFR’s independent, global team of expert reporters and analysts. The award will be presented in New York City.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:41:08

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Marchionne: Your efforts rewrote the history so many naysayers had forecast

Dear Colleagues,

For the second straight year, we have delivered on the ambitious financial targets we set as part of the five-year plan that we revealed to the world on Nov. 4, 2009. In the results that we announced today, we posted net income of $225 million in the fourth quarter, and full-year net income of $183 million. We also reported a modified operating profit of $508 million in Q4 2011, and $2 billion for the total year.

We posted a net profit for the year even as we booked a loss of $551 million to pay off all of our U.S. and Canadian government loans with interest, six years ahead of schedule. This repayment justified the faith placed in us by those who courageously stood by Chrysler in our darkest hours. It also freed us to move forward to chart our own destiny in partnership with Fiat.

Our net revenue in the fourth quarter was $15.1 billion, representing a 41 percent increase from the same period the year before, and full-year net revenue came to $55 billion. We ended the fourth quarter with $9.6 billion in cash, bringing total available liquidity to $10.9 billion.

The revamping of our product portfolio drove these results. We not only introduced 16 all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles to the market in just 19 months, but we also did it with a quality of execution that was far beyond any conventional expectation. Our worldwide vehicle sales were up 28 percent in the fourth quarter versus a year earlier, and for the full year grew 22 percent from 2010. We shipped two million vehicles in 2011, a 26 percent increase from the year-before total.

Based on the Company’s 2011 achievements, I am pleased to inform you that a performance award payment will be made to all eligible salaried and represented employees.

This is a reward that you have earned. The more difficult the task, the more satisfying it is to overcome all obstacles. You have been to hell and back, and you defied predictions of our demise.  Your efforts rewrote the history that so many naysayers had forecast.

As we move forward with Fiat, let’s remain flexible in order to continue to achieve and take advantage of changing conditions while maintaining the same high level of passion and integrity that has brought us the measure of success we have had so far.

We have set an example of resilience, and the numbers announced today are evidence that our comeback is real. In bringing Chrysler up from the darkest depths, we have shown that the only difference between the possible and the impossible is that the impossible has just never been done before.

Now it’s time to stay steadfast on our path, guided by the same commitment and same values that we have used to steer toward a better destiny.

Make tough, informed decisions; hold yourself and others accountable; and together we will write yet another successful chapter in our history.

I am proud to be with you in the reconstruction of a great Chrysler.

Click here to read the full financial results announced today.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:43:37

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Full-year net income hits $183 million; ’11 revenue jumps 31%

Chrysler Group’s full year 2011 modified operating profit more than doubled to $2 billion with free cash flow of $1.9 billion

• Chrysler Group full year 2011 net income improved to $183 million from a net loss of $652 million in 2010 and despite a $551 million loss on extinguishment of debt in Q2 2011; fourth quarter net income was $225 million, the highest quarterly net income since the Company began operations in 2009
• Net revenue for the year was $55.0 billion, up 31 percent from a year ago; fourth quarter net revenue increased 41 percent to $15.1 billion
• Modified Operating Profit(b) grew to $2.0 billion for the year, 2.5 times higher than 2010, and $508 million in the fourth quarter
• Free Cash Flow(e) for full year 2011 totaled $1.9 billion driving Cash(d) at year end 2011 to $9.6 billion compared with $7.3 billion a year ago
• Net industrial debt(f) was reduced by nearly 50 percent to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2011, from $5.8 billion a year ago
• Worldwide vehicle sales for full year 2011 totaled 1,855,000, up 22 percent from 2010; fourth quarter worldwide vehicle sales were 479,000, up 28 percent compared with a year ago
• U.S. market share increased to 10.5 percent for full year 2011, up from 9.2 percent a year ago, driven primarily by a 43 percent increase in U.S. retail sales
• Worldwide vehicle shipments were 2.0 million for full year 2011, up from 1.6 million a year ago
• Chrysler Group achieved its third and final performance event in January 2012 by committing to produce its new fuel-efficient vehicle, increasing Fiat S.p.A.’s ownership interest to 58.5 percent

Chrysler Group LLC today reported preliminary net income of $183 million for the full year 2011, up from a net loss of $652 million a year ago, exceeding the objective set in November 2009.

The Company’s full year net income included a $551 million loss on extinguishment of debt recognized in the second quarter of 2011, when the Company repaid its outstanding obligations to the U.S. Treasury and Canadian governments in full, with interest, six years early. Excluding the charge, Adjusted Net Income(a) for the full year 2011 was $734 million, exceeding the Company’s 2011 guidance and further delivering on the goals established two years ago.

For the fourth quarter, net income was $225 million, up from a loss of $199 million a year earlier, as the Company continues to increase sales of its successful new and significantly refreshed vehicles.

As of January 2012, Chrysler Group has achieved all three performance events set forth in its Amended and Restated LLC Operating Agreement. As a result of achieving these events, and in combination with other transactions, Fiat S.p.A. now owns 58.5 percent of the membership interests in Chrysler Group.

“The house is in good order. We are proud of the work we’ve done,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC. “Now we greet a new year of high expectations with our heads down, forging ahead and focused on executing the goals we’ve set for ourselves as a company.”

Full year 2011 net revenue totaled $55.0 billion, a 31 percent increase from 2010, driven by increased consumer demand for Chrysler Group’s new and significantly refreshed vehicles. In the fourth quarter, net revenue was $15.1 billion, up 41 percent from the prior year.

The Company reported a full year 2011 Modified Operating Profit of $2.0 billion, more than 2.5 times the prior year’s level. The increase resulted from higher sales volume and improved pricing and mix, partially offset by increased advertising and industrial costs. Modified Operating Profit for the fourth quarter 2011 was $508 million, or 3.4 percent of net revenue, up from $198 million, or 1.8 percent of net revenue, in the fourth quarter 2010.

Modified EBITDA(c) was $4.8 billion for full year 2011, or 8.6 percent of net revenue, an increase of 37 percent versus the prior year. Fourth quarter 2011 Modified EBITDA increased 33 percent to $1.2 billion.

Interest expense for the full year 2011 totaled $1.2 billion, including $170 million of non-cash interest accretion, versus $1.3 billion in 2010, including non-cash interest accretion of $229 million. Fourth quarter 2011 interest expense was $280 million, including non-cash interest accretion of $32 million.

This compares with $336 million of interest expense, including non-cash interest accretion of $57 million, in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Cash as of December 31, 2011, was $9.6 billion compared with $9.5 billion as of September 30, 2011, and $7.3 billion as of December 31, 2010. Total available liquidity totaled $10.9 billion, including $1.3 billion available under a revolving credit facility. Free Cash Flow totaled a positive $1.9 billion for the full year 2011, and a negative $54 million for the fourth quarter 2011.

Gross Industrial Debt(f) at December 31, 2011, totaled $12.5 billion, slightly higher than the $12.3 billion at September 30, 2011, and lower than the $13.1 billion at December 31, 2010. Net Industrial Debt(f) was $2.9 billion at the end of the quarter, consistent with the level at September 30, 2011, and reduced by nearly 50 percent from the $5.8 billion at December 31, 2010.

Worldwide vehicle sales were 1,855,000 for the full year 2011, up 22 percent from 1,516,000 vehicles in 2010, driven primarily by a 43 percent increase in U.S. retail sales. The improvement reflects increased consumer confidence in our new and significantly refreshed products. Chrysler Group’s U.S. market share increased to 10.5 percent for the year from 9.2 percent in 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 U.S. market share was 10.8 percent, up 2.0 percentage points from the fourth quarter 2010.

Worldwide vehicle shipments for full year and fourth quarter 2011 were 2,011,000 and 543,000, respectively, an increase of 26 percent and 42 percent compared with the full year and fourth quarter 2010, respectively.

2012 Guidance

The targets for 2012 are as follows:

• Net revenue of ~$65 billion
• Modified Operating Profit of ≥$3.0 billion
• Net income of ~$1.5 billion
• Free Cash Flow of ≥$1 billion

Significant corporate events since third-quarter 2011

Oct. 18: Chrysler Group committed to invest $165 million to add a body shop at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan.

Oct. 26: The UAW ratified a new four-year national labor agreement with Chrysler Group.

Nov. 16: Chrysler Group announced a $1.7 billion investment for the next generation Jeep® SUV and added a second shift of production at its Toledo, Ohio, complex.

Dec. 13: Chrysler Group announced it will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit to produce the next generation SRT® Viper. The plant’s reopening will bring nearly 150 jobs back to the city of Detroit.

Jan. 5, 2012: Chrysler Group announced it had achieved its third performance event outlined in its Amended and Restated LLC Operating Agreement, by committing to produce a vehicle built in the United States based on Fiat technology that achieves an unadjusted combined fuel-economy rating of at least 40 mpg. Chrysler Group achieved this milestone with a pre-production version of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart in December 2011. The unadjusted combined fuel-economy rating may vary from the rating disclosed to consumers at point of sale. The achievement resulted in Fiat’s ownership interest in Chrysler Group increasing to 58.5 percent from 53.5 percent (fully diluted). The VEBA Trust owns the remaining 41.5 percent of the membership interests in the Company.

Jan. 5: Chrysler Group strengthened ties with the city of Detroit, announcing it will add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Further, the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup will be expanded with a diesel version for North America which will be built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant.

Jan. 6: Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne was named as the new campaign chair for the 2012 United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaign. As campaign chair, Marchionne will work to promote the growth and impact of the campaign among businesses and individuals.

Product and corporate news

• All-new 2013 Dodge Dart, revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on Jan. 9, won the Autoweek Editors’ Choice Award as the “Most Significant Vehicle” of the auto show
• Chrysler Group was named “Company of the Year” at the 16th annual Urban Wheel Awards for its leadership in promoting diversity in the area of workforce development. It also achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Commission’s 2012 Corporate Equality Index
• Jeep Wrangler named “2012 SUV of the Year” by Autobytel; “2011 SUV of the Year – North America” by Overland Journal; “Best Cars for the Money – Off-Road SUV” by U.S. News & World Report; and “Play Car of the Year” (Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers categories) by Cars.com
• New 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Named “4×4 of the Year” by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine
• Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 named The Fast Lane Car’s (TFLCar.com) “Top-10 2012 Most Fun to Drive Cars”
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, recommends Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee named “SUV of Texas” and 2012 Dodge Durango named “Full-size SUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association
• Jeep Brand named Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – “Most Improved Loyalty to Make”
• 2011 Chrysler Town & Country won the “2012 Polk Automotive Loyalty Award” in the minivan category
• 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon named Four Wheeler “Pickup Truck of the Year”
• Consumers Digest named Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Challenger, Ram 1500 and Fiat 500 to its “Best Buy” list for the 2012 Model Year
• Consumer Guide named to its “Best Buy and Recommended Awards” list the Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500 and Fiat 500

Additional information

The Company will present its preliminary fourth quarter and full year financial results during an analyst webcast and conference call at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Feb. 1, 2012, at www.chryslergroupllc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the same Chrysler Group website about 90 minutes after the conclusion of the call.

The Company intends to publish financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, in March 2012, when it plans to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Effective May 24, 2011, and in accordance with IFRS, Fiat S.p.A. was required to consolidate Chrysler Group’s IFRS financial results in its consolidated financial statements. Certain preliminary Chrysler Group financial results prepared in accordance with IFRS will be included in the Fiat S.p.A. earnings release, which will be available on the Investor Relations tab of the Fiat S.p.A. website on or after February 1, 2012 (http://www.fiatspa.com/en-US/investor_relations/investors/Pages/investors.aspx).

Non-U.S. GAAP financial information and other items

(a) Adjusted Net Income (Loss) is defined as net income (loss) excluding the impact of infrequent charges, which includes losses on extinguishment of debt. The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income, Modified Operating Profit (defined below) and Modified EBITDA (defined below) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 1 of the attachment to the press release.

(b) Modified Operating Profit (Loss) is computed starting with net income (loss) and then adjusting the amount to (i) add back income tax expense and exclude income tax benefits, (ii) add back net interest expense (excluding interest expense related to financing activities associated with a vehicle lease portfolio referred to as Gold Key Lease), (iii) add back all pension, other postretirement benefit obligations (OPEB) and other employee benefit costs other than service costs, (iv) add back restructuring expense and exclude restructuring income, (v) add back other financial expense, (vi) add back losses and exclude gains due to cumulative change in accounting principles, and (vii) add back certain other costs, charges and expenses, which include charges factored into the calculation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss). The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income (defined above), Modified Operating Profit and Modified EBITDA (defined below) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 1 of the attachment to the press release.

(c) Modified EBITDA is computed starting with net income (loss) adjusted to Modified Operating Profit (Loss) as described above, and then add back depreciation and amortization expense (excluding depreciation and amortization expense for vehicles held for lease). The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income (defined above), Modified Operating Profit (defined above) and Modified

EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 1 of the attachment to the press release.

(d) Cash is defined as cash and cash equivalents.

(e) Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flows from operating and investing activities, excluding any debtrelated investing activities, adjusted for financing activities related to Gold Key Lease financing. A reconciliation of cash flows from operating and investing activities to Free Cash Flow for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 2 of the attachment to the press release.

(f) A reconciliation of financial liabilities to Gross Industrial Debt and Net Industrial Debt at December 31, 2011, is detailed in Table 3 of the attachment to the press release.

Forward-kooking statements

This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current views with respect to future events. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the effective implementation of the Chrysler Group LLC 2010 – 2014 Business Plan outlined on November 4, 2009, including successful vehicle launches; industry SAAR levels; continued economic weakness, especially in North America, including continued high unemployment levels and limited availability of affordably priced financing for our dealers and consumers; introduction of competing products and competitive pressures which may limit our ability to reduce sales incentives; supply disruptions resulting from natural disasters and other events impacting our supply chain; and our ability to realize benefits from our industrial alliance with Fiat. If any of these or other risks and uncertainties occur, or if the assumptions underlying any of these statements prove incorrect, then actual results may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Further details of potential risks that may affect Chrysler Group are described in Chrysler Group’s Form 10, as amended, and its subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:23:56

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Employees rave about new WCM Academy

(This story originally appeared on the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center website.)

Story by Ron Russell
Photos by Bob Erickson
UAW-Chrysler National Training Center Communications Staff

It’s not every day that autoworkers rave about training to improve job performance as “totally awesome,” “eye-opening” and “a one-of-a-kind experience.”

But, then again, it’s not every day that autoworkers take courses at the new World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Academy, a state-of-the-art facility jointly administered by the UAW, Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat SpA. The academy is a high-tech, interactive learning laboratory where training is being redefined as a catalyst for meaningful change on the shop floor at the Chrysler Group.

“I’m used to sitting in a classroom and listening to a lecture, but attending the academy was a pleasant surprise and a challenging experience,” said Curt Steenbeke, a UAW Local 1284 member and vehicle crash technician at the Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Grounds. “With all the technology and interaction in the lab, you gain practical knowledge that you can’t learn anywhere but there.”

Such superlatives were the order of the day last week as Chrysler Group executives joined with UAW and local government officials to dedicate the WCM Academy, which occupies about 25,000 square-feet of the UAW-Chrysler Technology Training Center in Warren, Mich.

Each year the academy will provide more than 1,200 UAW members with an in-depth understanding of the WCM production system. Developed by Fiat, it’s designed to reduce waste, increase productivity and restore dignity to workers.

WCM is the driving force behind the manufacturing transformation at Chrysler Group plants, and it anchors the company’s dramatic comeback from bankruptcy. The system is being gradually phased in at all manufacturing facilities with implementation jointly administered by the company and the UAW.

Presiding at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the academy were Scott Garberding, Senior Vice President—Manufacturing; UAW Vice President General Holiefield, Director of the union’s Chrysler Department; Macomb County (Mich.) Executive Mark Hackel and Warren Mayor Jim Fouts.

“People development is the cornerstone of the (production) system we are developing,” Garberding said during the dedication ceremony. “This is not the flavor-of-the-month program—it’s the only way we do business. The only way for us to get better is to build skills, and this is the way we build skills. We are not doing training for training’s sake.”

Garberding applauded the UAW for supporting WCM, noting “the results that have been achieved in our plants could not have been realized without the support of our UAW partners. From the leadership to the shop floor, everyone has become an advocate of WCM and understands that it is critical to maintaining Chrysler Group’s competitiveness into the future.”

Holiefield was enthusiastic in embracing WCM and the academy, which comes alive with large touch screens on the walls and iPads on table tops.

“Employees love WCM—they’ve got a real voice in what happens in the workplace,” he said. “We are transforming UAW members into the best quality manufacturing employees the dollar can buy.

“Our employees understand that WCM is the foundation of Chrysler Group’s continued success, and the WCM Academy provides the opportunity for continued growth and development.”

Holiefield added that job security also is at stake: “You can’t negotiate job security; you need to earn it and we’re doing that through WCM.”

From its design to its implementation, the academy combines a number of unique aspects that support WCM with a visually engaging, hands-on approach to training that fosters innovation, problem solving and a continuous improvement ethic among workers.

“Unlike the classic concept of training, training for WCM has to be focused on addressing specific needs within the manufacturing facilities,” Massimo Risi, Head of World Class Manufacturing, said. “No longer will a ‘cookie cutter’ approach drive continuous improvement.”

Training is targeted at resolving such issues as unsafe working conditions, poor product quality or bottlenecks on assembly lines.

Serving as an extension of the plants, the academy provides a dynamic, best-practice sharing opportunity unlike any previously experienced by Chrysler Group employees.

Material for the 14 courses currently in the curriculum was created internally with input from plants. Trainers were selected from within the company based on their own hands-on, practical experience achieving WCM results in their facilities.

The unique training lab consists of learning stations organized around the 10 technical Pillars that make up WCM, such as Safety, Cost Deployment, Workplace Organization, Quality Control and People Development.

Each Pillar has a classroom color coded to coordinate with a dedicated area of the lab where hands-on training takes place. Students spend 70 percent of their time in the lab applying what they learn in the classroom.

And there’s never a dull moment during the two days that workers spend at the academy. Learning WCM principles and methodologies is fun as well as thought-provoking, giving students know-how that translates into measurable results on the job.

They can participate in games and other educational activities that take advantage of everything from 3D video technology to slot car racing and simulated door and engine assembly lines.

The 3D technology comes into play at the Immersion Theater in the safety area of the lab.

Students don 3D goggles to become fully immersed in a plant setting full of unsafe acts and conditions, thanks to the same technology used by the U.S. Department of Defense to train soldiers deployed to Afghanistan. The video becomes a learning tool to help employees become aware of unsafe conditions, identify potential hazards and work through possible solutions.

Shay Sulton, a UAW Local 869 member at the Warren Stamping Plant, gives the academy high marks after taking the Job Safety Risk Analysis course last month.

“It was a real eye-opener for me,” the ergonomics analyst said. “The simulations were great—they really made things come alive. The training put me in a better mind frame to predict risks and get to the root cause of problems. Even if you didn’t want to, you were going to learn a lot. It was that engaging.”

Local 869 member Larenda Beecham, a safety specialist at Warren Stamping, also was impressed after taking the course.

“It was totally awesome,” she said. “It was very motivating besides providing practical information that makes a big difference in the plant. By working together as one, we are bringing about change for the company and the union. And it’s all about change for the better.”

Located near the 3D Immersion Theater, the Human Motion Capture Arena employs the same technology used to create video games in an exercise designed to improve efficiency in performing job functions.

An employee dresses in a special suit covered with LED sensors that capture the individual’s movements, from the largest such as walking to the slightest such as the movement of a finger. Above, a ring truss is equipped with multiple cameras that capture the movements and project them on a video display.

This exercise enables employees to visualize how an operator would move to perform a given job function so they can eliminate waste by deciding how to reduce the number of movements or make them more consistent with a person’s natural movements.

A slot car track is used to demonstrate the seven steps of micro-stoppages on the line – small equipment breakdowns that can cause major losses.

The cars on the track and the track itself have been modified to “break down” while racing. A high-speed camera captures the movements, helping employees see that the breakdown might be worse than what is obvious to the naked eye. In this way, operators learn to apply a disciplined process to discover the root cause of a problem.

Once the two days of classroom and lab sessions are completed, employees return to their home plants with an academy trainer to apply what they learned to resolve the issue being addressed.

The final step in the learning process occurs when employees return to the academy for validation of their training and to share best practices.

UAW Local 140 member Craig Badder, a team leader, mentor and safety specialist at the Warren Truck Plant, is another academy participant who is sold on the training he received there.

“In a word, it was world-class fantastic,” he said. “The use of technology was especially phenomenal compared to the way we used to be trained. When you’re done with a course at the academy, you are way more productive and better prepared to do your job. That’s what training should be all about.”

Published: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:00:50

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Chrysler Canada earns United Way’s ‘Leadership Campaign Team’ honor

Chrysler Canada received the “Leadership Campaign Team of the Year Award” in recognition of the company’s outstanding 2011 United Way Campaign in Windsor-Essex County.

The award, sponsored by the University of Windsor, was presented during the “I Believe in My Community Awards” celebration in Windsor on Jan. 25.

The Leadership Campaign Team of the Year Award is presented to the team or organization that most successfully motivated their peers to contribute personal gifts of $1,000 or more and that organized the most exceptional “Leadership Giving Campaign.” 

This year, Chrysler Canada had 186 Windsor-area individuals pledge more than $1,000 for a total of $230,019, an increase of 7 percent from 2010.
 
In the Chrysler Canada campaign, 40 volunteer canvassers provided one-on-one engagement to all Windsor Assembly Plant employees. They also provided an opportunity to learn more about United Way’s initiatives and the programs it supports.

Other special events considered in determining the selection included the annual United Way Kick-off at Chrysler Canada Headquarters with remarks from Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada, who highlighted United Way’s role in helping those most in need.

In addition, presentations were held at the Automotive Research and Development Centre and Temple Drive office locations in Windsor for salaried employees that provided powerful, firsthand testimonials from representatives on how United Way’s programs helped them through difficult circumstances.

CAW Local 444 President Rick Laporte also provided encouragement and led by example by donating at the Leadership level and by sending a personalized letter to each of his elected and appointed representatives that urged them to do the same and to give back to the community.

Chrysler Canada has a proud history of giving back: in December 2011, it announced that the company’s employees and retirees in Windsor-Essex County had contributed $1,144,994.12 to the United Way for use during the 2012 calendar year. This year, the number was announced during a ceremony at Chrysler Canada Headquarters with the help of the Dodge Caravan Kids, a program related to United Way’s priority for Positioning Kids and Families for success.

Published: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:49:37

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Mopar®’s anniversary brings new, custom vehicles

For its 75th anniversary, the Mopar® organization worked its magic on four Chrysler Group vehicles.

Today at its engineering lab in Center Line, Mich., Mopar revealed the four vehicles that include the Mopar ’12 300, Fiat 500 “Stinger,” Mopar Jeep® Compass “True North” and Dodge Dart “GTS 210 Tribute.” The Mopar ’12 will be available this summer straight from the factory, while components of the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available in the fall as stage kits or á la carte from the Mopar catalog.

(On-demand replays of the webcast of the Mopar brand’s 75th anniversary celebration and reveal of the four Mopar-modified vehicles can be seen at: http://www.mopar.com/75th-anniversary.)

“Customization is king,” Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO—Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Car, said. “These head-turning ‘Moparized’ vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles.”
At the 2012 North American International Auto Show earlier this month, the brand kicked off its year-long 75th anniversary celebration with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline. Mopar, a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts, was trademarked in 1937.
The following “Moparized” vehicles were revealed today and will be on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show Feb. 10-19.

Mopar ’12 300
Building on the success of Mopar versions of the 2010 Dodge Challenger and 2011 Dodge Charger, the new Mopar ’12 300 transforms the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan into a performance tribute to celebrate Mopar’s 75th anniversary with unique appointments, select high-performance parts and appearance items straight from the Mopar parts catalog.

Power and performance
Mopar earned its factory-designed performance reputation with enthusiasts and the most discerning racing drivers for the past 75 years—and the new Mopar ’12 is designed to showcase the brand’s prowess.
Under the hood of the Mopar ’12 300, an exclusive Mopar engine cover hints at the 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with innovative four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology beneath. Backed with a proven five-speed W5A580 automatic transmission, Mopar aficionados will appreciate the unique Mopar shifter combined with Auto Stick. With Auto Stick, drivers may select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller helps prevent the possibility of an over-rev condition.
At the rear, the differential has been boosted from 3.06:1 to a 3.91:1 final-drive ratio for enhanced acceleration—unique to the Mopar ’12—enabling 0-to-60 mph blasts in the low 5-second range.

Track-tuned suspension delivers precision handling
The new Mopar ’12 300 features the second-generation E-segment architecture’s performance-tuned suspension with 42 percent stiffer front and 23 percent stiffer rear spring rates compared with the Chrysler 300 models with touring-tuned suspension. For improved grip and braking, stickier P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 three-season tires replace all-season radials, and high-performance brake linings mounted to dual-piston front and single-piston rear calipers deliver fade-resistant stopping performance.

Unique Mopar 300 ‘Street Machine’
Similar to the new Chrysler 300S models, Mopar ’12 300 adds even more street credibility with its blacked-out appearance and unique Mopar appointments. A Mopar Black Chrome seven-bar grille and grille-surround matches the black-accented headlamp bezels and fascia accents for a low-key presence.
Highlighting the Gloss Black exterior contours of the Mopar ’12 300 are a Mopar Blue A-line body-side stripes. Large 20-inch-by-8-inch Mopar forged-aluminum wheels are painted in Gloss Black and include Mopar center caps. Commemorating the brand’s 75th year, “Mopar 75” fender badges feature the Mopar Blue “omega” logo. On the deck lid, a “Mopar Design” badge hints at the select Mopar parts and accessories that have been infused to enhance performance and distinguish the Mopar ’12 300 from any other Chrysler 300.

Inside, Mopar ’12 300 features a monotone black interior environment with Mopar Blue accents throughout. Mopar’s Katzkin perforated leather wraps the large-bolstered 12-way power driver and passenger heated-front sport seats, and includes Mopar Blue accent stitching on the seating surface, along with French-seamed stitching at the perimeter and a black/blue two-tone leather combination. Rear heated seats feature the same perforated leather and corresponding Mopar Blue stitching treatment.

A thick-rimmed steering wheel with die-cast paddle shifters (for Auto Stick) and a unique Mopar shifter handle are wrapped in black leather and stitched with matching Mopar Blue thread. Mopar sill plates and a serialized “Mopar ’12 Limited Edition” badge complete the list of unique appointments.
The enthusiast-designed interior of the Mopar ’12 300 is enhanced further with matte carbon hydrographic accents on the instrument panel and center console areas, while Piano Black is used on the interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements to provide a unique lacquered appearance.

World-class connectivity with segment’s largest touchscreen display
State-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch 8.4 provides Mopar ’12 300 passengers with the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inches) and next-generation mobile infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features. In addition, the Mopar ’12 300 features a unique “Mopar” start-up screen.
Uconnect Touch also controls Mopar ’12’s 506-watt Alpine nine-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer 12-channel amplifier with 506 watts of power and digital signal processing (DSP) for 7.1-adapted surround sound.

SafetyTec Group: Advanced active-safety features for 360-degree perspective
The new Mopar ’12 300 provides customers the latest in accident-avoidance features with its standard SafetyTec Group, combining advanced active- and passive-safety technologies for enhanced driver confidence.

The SafetyTec Group includes adaptive-forward lighting, high-intensity discharge projector high and low-beams with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning with adaptive-cruise control, Blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, ParkSense® front and rear park assist system, LED-illuminated rear fog lamps, exterior mirrors with supplemental turn signals and approach lamp. Additional safety features include a HomeLink universal transceiver, rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam headlamps.

Available this summer
The Mopar ’12 300 will be built in Brampton, Ontario. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the limited-edition Mopar ’12 300 is $49,700, which includes $825 for destination.
Customers who purchase one of these 500 limited-edition Chrysler 300 models will receive a personalized owner kit in a customized Mopar ’12 300 box, Mopar-branded key fobs and Mopar ’12 300 merchandise. The kit will include a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), exact date of manufacture and the number of the vehicle. The kit also will include an original sketch of the car signed by the designer and a brochure highlighting the unique features of the vehicle.

2013 Dodge Dart ‘GTS 210 Tribute’
For the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, Mopar will offer more than 150 accessories, the most in the compact-car segment.
 
Hot off the heels of its worldwide production debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mopar wasted no time giving the 2013 Dodge Dart even more sporting pretensions both inside and out. The all-new Dodge Dart embodies class-leading and class-exclusive features in many areas including aerodynamics, technology and safety, and the stage kits by Mopar enhance these attributes. The Alfa Romeo-based Dodge Dart already has sporty driving dynamics baked into its DNA, and Team Mopar added even more distinction to reinforce the car’s fun-to-drive nature.

Stage 1 appearance package
The exterior picks up several matte-black trim pieces, including a lower chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and rear-diffuser panel. A lightweight carbon-fiber hood with large air scoop and 18-inch, 10-spoke forged alloy titanium-colored wheels finish off exterior modifications.
Red and black is carried over into the interior, which has been refined beyond the 14 interior color and trim options available in the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. Ruby Red is the dominant color used on Katzkin leather seat fronts, door panels, center armrest and map-pocket inserts. Black accent stitching is used in the seats and armrest, as well. Piano Black trim is used on the shifter bezel, cup holder bezel and the dash-vent bezels. Final interior touches include a black suede instrument cluster brow with red accent stitching, a Piano Black accented floating island bezel and a Ruby Red and black leather-wrapped steering wheel with red accent stitching.

Stage 2 performance package
The Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute performance calibration has been employed maximizing fuel/air mix and spark advance, with an improved air-flow intake and low back-pressure exhaust to achieve 210 horsepower from a base engine of 184 horsepower.

2012 Fiat 500 ‘Stinger’
Building on the Fiat 500’s “Hottest Sports Compact Car” award by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) this past November, the new Fiat 500 “Stinger” integrates two Mopar stage kits that deliver bold styling appointments and select high-performance parts from the Mopar catalog.

Adding even more style to the new 2012 Fiat 500 Sport, the Fiat 500 Stinger features Giallo (yellow) exterior paint combined with unique blackened exterior and interior appointments—all designed to amplify the hatchback’s athletic Italian styling.

Stage 1: Athletic and purposeful styling enhancements
For a more aggressive appearance, the Fiat 500 Stinger’s signature “whiskers and logo” face and circular projector headlamps are finished in Black Chrome. Accenting the Giallo bodyside are exterior door handles and mirror caps finished in Black Chrome, while larger 17-inch-by-7-inch Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels with wider 205/40 R 17 performance tires provide the hatchback with a menacing stance below. Tinted head and taillamps and license-plate brow, and Mopar’s vinyl bodyside and roof graphics in black checker add to the Fiat 500 Stinger’s serious look.

The interior of the Fiat 500 Stinger continues the duality of Giallo and black with Mopar’s Katzkin leather seats. Based on the Fiat 500 Sport’s athletic-styled seats, the 500 Stinger’s seats feature Alcantara seat centers sandwiched by smooth and Giallo black leather bolsters and Giallo accent stitching. Below, a Mopar carbon-fiber instrument panel decal provides this Cinquecento’s interior with a technical appearance. A Mopar shifter ball finished in Gloss Black completes the appearance.

Stage 2: Track-tested performance upgrades
Delivering factory-designed performance, Mopar’s new Stage 2 kit ensures that the Fiat 500 Stinger delivers improved power and braking capabilities to match its aggressive styling upgrades.
Mopar’s cold-air intake and free-flowing cat-back exhaust enable the Fiat 500 Stinger’s fuel-efficient 1.4-liter 16-valve MultiAir™ engine to deliver even more power and torque.
And to make sure this Cinquecento delivers track-ready brake performance, the Fiat 500 Stinger features performance brakes with cross-drilled rotors for additional surface-heat dissipation.

2012 Mopar Jeep Compass ‘True North’

Like all Trail Rated® Jeep models, the Jeep Compass is a capable off-road machine. With the Mopar Jeep Compass “True North” model, Mopar further improves its off-road form and function.

The exterior features a matte black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia, door cladding and black grille with body color inserts. Other exterior touches include black-headlamp and fog-lamp surrounds, rear fog lights, custom front and rear brush bars and custom rock rails. Matte black 16-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich All Terrain tires and a 2-inch lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions add some additional off-road go.

The interior received lots of attention from Mopar and renowned audio component manufacturer Kicker. The entire audio system, including front and rear speakers, amplifier, sub-woofer and lift gate speakers are provided by Kicker, and transform Jeep Compass into a rolling high-end sound studio.

A custom center stack gauge pod that houses pitch and roll inclinometer gauges, add to the vehicle’s off-road credentials. A Mopar bright pedal kit, door-sill guards, rear-cargo tray, shift knob and neoprene seats complement each other while enhancing the quality feel of the cabin.

Published: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:32:26

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Mopar® celebrates 75th anniversary

Starting with a single product—anti-freeze—the Mopar® brand evolved over 75 years, developing a strong identity that represents authentic parts and accessories, expert service and convenient car care.
Today, Mopar is moving full-speed ahead into the global marketplace and building on its reputation for top quality, trusted service and high performance. This year, the Mopar brand will proudly celebrate its 75th anniversary.
“The Mopar brand has a proud, 75-year heritage,” Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO—Mopar  Service, Parts and Customer Care, said. “The mission at Mopar today is to fully support all of our brands by providing every single one of our customers with an exceptional after-sales experience. We will do this by continuing to offer cutting-edge technology, innovative products, authentic, quality-tested parts and high-quality customer service.”
How it began: MOtor PARts
The Mopar brand was officially trademarked in 1937 at a meeting of the Chrysler Parts Corporation’s Activities Council in Highland Park, Mich. The committee mulled over a list of names for Chrysler’s anti-freeze product and came up with “MoPar,” a contraction of the words MOtor and PARts.
Mopar became a brand name for most Chrysler Corporation parts, and gradually evolved into the name of the parts business itself. The moniker was officially attached to a Chrysler parts organization in the late 1960s, when Chrysler created an aftermarket business unit named the Mopar Division.
Mopar in the 1960s
In the 1960s, the brand took on an expanded meaning with the advent of high-performance “package cars,” based on the 1962 Dodge Dart and Plymouth Belvedere. These specially crafted race vehicles dominated the drag strip, garnering the brand enduring respect from grassroots racers and automotive enthusiasts.
The 1960s also saw the introduction of Max Wedge and HEMI® Super Stock package cars, as well as altered-wheelbase “funny cars.” Racers and enthusiasts began to refer to these exciting new race cars as “Mopars,” and a new car culture began to emerge.
The last package cars of the era appeared in 1968, when Chrysler built a series of Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda HEMI Super Stock cars. The legacy of these race vehicles is carried on today in NHRA competition in the Super Stock/A-HEMI (SS/AH) class in the Mopar HEMI Challenge.
Mopar further served this new market for high-performance by introducing a line of “special parts” for super-stock drag racers, which was continuously expanded throughout the 1970s and 1980s as the Mopar “Direct Connection” line of parts. The brand’s performance parts business ultimately developed into the Mopar Performance Parts division in 1987, with the aim of enhancing speed and handling in vehicles for both road and racing use.
Mopar today
With Chrysler Group LLC’s partnership with Fiat SpA, Mopar continues to expand its global footprint. In 2011, Mopar opened operations in Shanghai and Dubai along with Mopar Express Lanes in the Middle East. The brand started showcasing its vast product portfolio at international auto shows including Frankfurt and Bologna. And to support the North American launch of the new Fiat 500, Mopar introduced more than 150 quality-tested accessories.
The evolution of Mopar continues unabated, with a number of milestones and innovations achieved in recent years. In November 2008 Mopar reintroduced the “package car”—the 2009 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, with the first of the race-ready vehicles delivered to Mopar drag-racing legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. Mopar also produced a 2010 version and then ramped up the program with more cylinders and more excitement with the introduction of the 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak, a 512 cubic-inch monster.
The brand revealed a historic “first” in 2010 with the introduction of the Mopar ’10 Challenger, the first-ever Mopar version of a production Chrysler Group vehicle. The Mopar ’11 Charger followed for the 2011 model year, putting first-ever limited-edition, Mopar-badged production vehicles on the showroom floor.
Over the years, Mopar expanded its service and parts offerings. With the introduction of Mopar Express Lane service, customers now have an option for fast, affordable and dependable routine vehicle service. And with extended customer-service hours on Saturday, needed repairs and service may be scheduled to fit in even the most hectic schedule.
Today, competitive makes are also welcome for Mopar service at Chrysler Group dealers. The brand’s new partnership with Magneti Marelli, announced in April 2011, gives the Chrysler Group dealership network the ability to fully service competitive vehicles. The Italian aftermarket parts supplier is currently supplying Mopar and Chrysler Group dealers with more than 3,000 parts including brakes, shocks, struts, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters and cabin filters for competitive makes.
Through its long history, Mopar has always been on the leading edge of technical advancements, and the brand continues to blaze a trail on the technological front. Recent industry-first features from Mopar include smartphone vehicle-information applications, electronic owner manuals, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far.
After 75 years, Mopar continues to serve a vital role in the success of Chrysler Group, reflecting the brand’s strength and heritage. The source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram, SRT® and Fiat vehicles, Mopar adds value to every Chrysler Group and Fiat S.p.A vehicle, with the shared goal of adding value to the company’s brands and satisfying customers.
Mopar-first features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:
• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set parameters
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
• Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network.

Published: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:51:05

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SRT® releases a ‘snake peek’ at new Viper

The SRT® brand late Monday released this teaser photo of the all-new 2013 SRT Viper.

The vehicle, which will be revealed April 4 at the New York auto show, marks the return of the Chrysler Group’s legendary sports car after a two-year hiatus. The hand-assembled Viper will go into production later this summer at the reopened Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

The photo can be seen on the SRT brand Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DriveSRT. SRT officials released no other details about the vehicle.

The Conner facility was idled when production of the Dodge Viper was suspended in July 2010.

Production of the Viper began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant in Detroit and then moved to the Conner Avenue site in October 1995.

All Viper cars rolled off the line were hand-built in a low-volume, modular process. Over the course of 18 years, New Mack and Conner Avenue employees built about 12 vehicles a day for a total of 28,056 Viper cars.

Published: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:04

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Mopar® anniversary, product reveals to be webcast

The Chrysler Group will provide a live webcast of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Mopar® brand from Mopar’s Accessory and Performance Parts Lab in Center Line, Mich., beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

At 9 a.m., Mopar will reveal four Mopar-modified vehicles to be displayed at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show in February.

The webcast of the Mopar 75th anniversary celebration and vehicle reveal can be viewed at: http://www.mopar.com/75th-anniversary.

Employees with Internet access at work will be able to watch the webcast from their work computers. On-demand replays of the webcast also will be available for 30 days at the same Web address beginning approximately 90 minutes after the conclusion of the event.

Published: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:12:57

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Contest yields ‘snow man’ a new Jeep® Wrangler

A Washington state man was the first person to find the “Jeep® Yeti” medallion in a contest at the Winter X Games to win a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic Edition vehicle.

The Jeep brand hosted the “Jeep Arctic Yeti Dig” and seven contestants had the chance to dig into a 20-foot-by-20-foot section of snow on the grounds of the X Games in Aspen, Colo., to find the Jeep Yeti medallion. Kerry Boston from Spokane, Wash., beat out six other contestants to find the Jeep artifact.

“It was a tough dig but, I was determined to find that Jeep artifact so I could take home a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic Edition,” Boston said. “I am looking forward to seeing it in my drive-way very soon.”

The Jeep brand kicked off the “Jeep Arctic Yeti Dig” sweepstakes on the Jeep Facebook page (www.facebook.com/jeep), Twitter (www.twitter.com/Jeep) and blog (http://blog.jeep.com) sites.

Published: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:52:37

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Trenton South, Saltillo celebrate 1 millionth Pentastar production

Just 18 months following the start of production as the standard engine for the 2010 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, employees at the Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant and Saltillo (Mexico) Engine Plant celebrated the production of the 1 millionth Pentastar V-6 engine.

More than 1,300 workers are employed at the two engine assembly plants with two shifts at each location. The Trenton South Engine Plant, one of Chrysler group’s most modern plants, was the first engine manufacturing facility to receive the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Certificate for environmental excellence in building design.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world-class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the company is transforming it products to meet the needs of our customers,” Brian Harlow, Vice President—Head of Powertrain Manufacturing, said. “To build one million of anything, and in an impressively short amount of time, is a significant achievement. But to do it with such a high degree of quality is a testament to our skilled and dedicated workforce at both Trenton South and Saltillo engine plants.”

Ruby Lewis, a Team Leader at Trenton South who has been with the company for 17 years, said: “This a wonderful accomplishment for our team. I’m proud to work with the men and women of Trenton South. Between our quality and the amount of engines we’ve produced, it’s obvious this team works hard and cares about our customers.”

The 60-degree, V-6 engine, the most advanced six-cylinder ever produced by the company, is now available in 11 vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineup and available in front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive configurations. Depending on the vehicle, engines are tuned for specific applications with horsepower ranging from 283 on front-wheel-drive models and up to 305 horsepower on the sporty Dodge Challenger. The all-aluminum engine is standard or available on the Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey and Caravan.

For 2012, the 3.6-liter engine also is standard with Jeep Wrangler and provides 285 horsepower—an increase of 40 percent over last year’s model. Torque is up 10 percent to 260 lb.-ft. and highway fuel efficiency is improved to 21 miles per gallon (mpg) on the 2012 model.

Engineered to meet a variety of requirements, the Pentastar V-6 engine also is the exclusive engine used with the new eight-speed automatic transmission on the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models. The new engine and transmission combination deliver 31 mpg on the highway.

Just recently, the Pentastar V-6 repeated as one of the “10 Best Engines” following evaluation and testing by editors of Ward’s Automotive magazine.

Despite the impressive gains in power, the engine is designed to run on regular 87 octane gasoline. It also is capable of running on alternate fuels including E85.

Designed for the future

Since its introduction, the new engine has replaced six legacy V-6 engines ranging from 2.7-liter up to 4.0-liters in the Chrysler Group product portfolio. Overall, the new Pentastar has enabled the Chrysler Group’s Powertrain organization to reduce major engine components from 189 parts to just 32, greatly simplifying the build process and improving quality.

Some parts, including exhaust manifolds, have completely disappeared by virtue of being cast directly into the cylinder head. Previously, 32 different exhaust manifolds were used on a variety of V-6 engines. Upper- and lower- intake assemblies, which accounted for 21 and 11 different part numbers (respectively), have been reduced to two upper and two lower assemblies.

Camshaft variations have dropped from 14 to four and just two fuel -rail assemblies are now required rather than the previous 14. Weight reductions are equally impressive. Fully dressed, the new Pentastar V-6 is 94 pounds lighter than the 3.7-liter engine it replaced on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Similarly, while larger in displacement, the Pentastar is 42 pounds lighter than the 3.5-liter it replaced in the Chrysler 300.

The engine also is extremely efficient with advanced emission technology.

The V-6 requires no Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), which helps reduce the mass and complexity of the engine. The engine meets federal Tier 2 BIN 5 emission requirements and Ultra-low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) standards, and was designed to meet all known future worldwide standards including LEV III and PZEV Californian standards. For export, the engine is capable of meeting Euro6 emission standards.

Published: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:21:27

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Jeep® brand creates the ‘J Set’ for enthusiasts at European resorts

The Jeep® brand will visit three prestigious ski resorts in Europe this winter, bringing guests the opportunity to experience the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee both on- and off-road.

The Jeep program is scheduled to visit the resorts Courmayeur in Italy, Courchevel in France and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany. Brand officials selected mountain resorts to strengthen its link with the outdoors, which is in the DNA of the vehicles.

Guests of these exclusive winter resorts will have the opportunity to enjoy leisure time and entertaining musical evenings at the “J Set” lounges and at several Jeep locations designed for those who share the values of freedom, adventure, authenticity, passion and uniqueness of the brand.