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Chrysler Group News

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Event highlights conversions for disabled drivers, passengers (video)

The Automobility Awareness group held an event at the Auburn Hills Complex this week, featuring a day-long exhibit of vehicles converted for use by those with mobility limitations.

The week-long awareness event kicked off with a town hall meeting Monday, May 14, as representatives of several mobility conversion companies discussed their products and answered employee questions. The program continued with Tuesday’s exhibit of a converted minivan in the World Headquarters tower, as well as eight adapted vehicles stationed on the ground floor of Tech Plaza.

The Chrysler Group’s Automobility Program was the first in the industry to help ease the financial burden of adapting vehicles for drivers and passengers with physical challenges, offering as much as $1,000 reimbursement for expenses related to the equipment. This week’s awareness program coincides with National Mobility Month and is intended to increase employees’ understanding of adaptive equipment options and Chrysler Group’s effort to improve vehicle accessibility for customers with disabilities.

“The purpose of the event is two pronged,” Marc Henretta, a 27-year employee and Mobility Team member, said. “The first objective is to fulfill a social obligation to raise awareness for the disabled community. The other part is to make our vehicles available to as many people as possible with a variety of conditions in order to sell more upfitted products. Chrysler is doing the right thing by taking steps to advance the interests of the disabled, and it makes me proud to work here.”

Henretta, a paraplegic, explained that most of his sled hockey teammates are severely disabled and require adapted vehicles for transportation.
“Most people assume that upfitted vehicles are limited to minivans,” Henretta said.  “People ask me where my van is, but they don’t realize that I’m the guy driving the Alfa Romeo or the Jeep®  Grand Cherokee or the Ferrari.”

While adapted minivans constituted the majority of vehicles at the event, the display also featured a Chrysler 300 upfitted with an outside wheelchair carrier and hand controls for the steering wheel, brakes and accelerator.  A Dodge Durango also was upfitted with a turning driver’s seat for easy accessibility.

Larry Whitefield, Automobility Program Manager, stressed the importance of reaching out to the disabled community. According to Whitefield, raising awareness for the Automobility program is an ongoing business practice.

“People with disabilities form the second-largest minority group in the United States,” Whitefield said.  “It is important to recognize this group and service their needs. It’s also important to display the breadth of our portfolio; all products we make can be tailored to suit the needs of our disabled customers.”

“One of our big challenges is to modify vehicles in a way that they blend in on the road in order to appeal to our customers,” Aaron Kiser, vehicle liaison engineer at The Braun Corp., an upfit supplier, said. “One of our goals for this event is to interact with Chrysler Group employees and raise awareness of the mobility industry. As more people become aware of what is needed for mobility, they can keep the needs of the disabled in mind as they are designing vehicles.”

 
“It is gratifying to see the reactions of employees at the event,” Hubbard said. “Everyone who I have spoken to has been fascinated by the mobility displays.”

The Chrysler Group’s Automobility Program website (www.chryslerautomobility.com) shows many examples of the driver and passenger mobility equipment upfits available for company vehicles. The site also provides details on how customers can take advantage of the Chrysler Group’s cash reimbursement incentive to reduce the cost of installing adaptive equipment.

Dave Hubbard, executive director of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, attended the event and had positive things to say about Chrysler’s efforts to raise awareness for automobility.

The two-minute, 59-second video below captures highlights from this week’s Automobility event.

Published: Thu, 17 May 2012 18:44:58

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Chrysler brand kick starts U.S. youth soccer with test-drive tour

The Chrysler brand today announced that it will become a sponsor of the United States Youth Soccer Association in a partnership that also will provide test-drives of the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan at youth soccer events across the nation.

U.S. Youth Soccer is the nation’s largest youth sports organization, and the partnership allows the brand to conduct onsite test-drives at various local and regional soccer events. Each test-driver will receive a $10 gift card for their participation, as well as gain entry into a national giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 towards any Chrysler brand vehicle.

“U.S. Youth Soccer, our 3 million registered youth players and our local soccer communities across the country are happy to have the support of Chrysler through this partnership to engage and reward our members,” John Sutter, president of U.S. Youth Soccer, said. “For our active families, the chance to test drive and get a hands-on experience with these products within their existing schedules will be greatly appreciated.”

Throughout the tour, the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, accompanied by Chrysler brand product specialists, will be prominently featured in high-traffic locations of local soccer games. The test-drive tour will travel to a variety of markets including Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Los Angeles and New York City and conclude on Aug. 10.

“The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan fits perfectly into the lifestyle of active families who not only need to transport team members and all of the various sports equipment to and from games,” Saad Chehab, President and CEO—Chrysler Brand, said.

“The alignment with U.S. Youth Soccer is a mutually beneficial relationship that enables us to connect and demonstrate the functionality of a vehicle segment we invented to thousands of families at more than 30 events throughout the country. The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country carries the torch for ultimate versatility, standard luxury and convenience with unsurpassed quality, comfort and value.”

Published: Thu, 17 May 2012 13:36:26

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CEMA annual car show set for June 9 at museum

The Chrysler Employee Motorsport Association (CEMA) will host its annual Charity Car Show on the grounds of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.

The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 9. This year’s theme is the celebration of the American two-seat sports car, featuring the 20th anniversary of the Dodge Viper.

CEMA’s charity recipient again is the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.

The show honors all vehicles, while highlighting the Viper anniversary and the rebirth of the 2013 SRT Viper. Many local Viper owners will be part of a special vehicle display ranging from the first year of production in 1992 through the 2010 model. There are plans to have a new, 2013 SRT Viper on hand as well.

A feature at the event will be the unveiling of the Viper Cafe, located on the lower level of the museum. The cafe was recently completed, and the grand opening will take place during the car show with a short dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony with Ralph Gilles, President and CEO—SRT Brand, and Senior Vice President of Design, at 10 a.m.

The car show is open to all makes and models of vehicles, not just Chrysler Group products. Vehicles can be registered on the website at www.cemaclub.org.

Pre-registration is only $15 through June 1, and the first 200 paid registrations will receive a goody bag, dash plaque and one free admission ticket to the museum. Additional museum tickets can be purchased at the door for the special show price of $4 per person.

Day-of-show vehicle registrations also are welcome. More than 20 awards will be given in several different judging classes.

The car show itself is free to spectators, so family and friends are welcome. Food will be available all day and there will be a DJ with music, many vendors and lots of beautiful vehicles to admire. Shuttle service to the show grounds will be available all day from Lot 26.

CEMA is open to all Chrysler Group employees and retirees. Visit the website (www.cemaclub.org) for more information on how to join.

If you have car show questions, please respond to carshow@cemaclub.org

Published: Wed, 16 May 2012 18:44:31

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Jeep® brand honored for outdoor advertising

The Jeep® brand has received a Silver Obie award from the Outdoor Advertising Association of America for the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty in the “Out of Home Creative Design” category.

The overall brand campaign was designed to introduce the 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV and included broadcast, print, digital, social media, experiential events and out-of-home advertising. The Obie was awarded for the Jeep brand’s creative use of billboard advertisement using blacklit electroluminescent billboards featuring day and night imagery.

“We are honored to receive this award as it validates our desire to attract consumer attention in a different and innovative way,” Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, said. “Our creative standards are high and allow great ideas to come to life, always striving to showcase our products with a unique approach.”

The Jeep billboard campaign was designed by creative agency Global Hue of Southfield, Mich. Using patented low-voltage electroluminescent light tape lamps, consumers saw the campaign tagline, “Toughest Vehicle in the World” version of the advertisement by day that showcased the true vehicle capability and a “Toughest Vehicles in the World. Any World.” version at night, illustrating the vehicle’s capability in the virtual Call of Duty world.

The billboards were located in Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago, and were the three largest completely backlit electroluminescent billboards done simultaneously.

“This was a breakthrough creative idea that not only communicated the Jeep brand and its Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV, but also allowed us to connect to the gaming world and expose the 2012 Jeep Wrangler to a completely new set of consumers,” Mike Manley, President and CEO—Jeep Brand, said. “The billboards showcased the rugged capability, dynamic energy and high performance that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition SUV offers.”

Published: Wed, 16 May 2012 18:38:56

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Fiat tops 500,000 Facebook fans; offers contest, cash voucher

It pays to be a fan of the Fiat brand’s Facebook page, especially if you happen to be one of its original 500,000 fans.

Last month, Fiat achieved a social milestone of acquiring 500,000 fans on its Facebook page and now the brand is making it possible for each fan to receive a reward in celebration of this success.

Every new and current Fiat USA Facebook fan will have an opportunity to win one of 10 2012 Fiat 500 Sport models via the “Fiat Spin to Win” application. In addition, the original 500,000 fans can receive a $500 loyalty voucher toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle after using the application.

“The Fiat brand is thankful to have a Facebook community that is as loyal as our fans; we listen to what they have to say and we value their opinions,” Tim Kuniskis, Head of Fiat North America, said. “We will continue to use social media as a way to not only engage our fans but to also generate discussion and ideas that we may incorporate in future products or marketing campaigns.”

To enter the “Fiat Spin to Win” promotion, fans should visit the “500,000 Celebration” app on the Fiat USA Facebook page. Through the app, each registrant will be given a Celebration Spin code containing a six-digit number that the registrant can take to spin at their local Fiat studio.

If a contestant successfully spins the number “500,000” that contestant will win one of 10 2012 Fiat 500 Sport models. The “Fiat Spin to Win” promotion runs through May 31.

Employees and contractors are not eligible to win. For official rules, those with Internet access can visit www.facebook.com/fiatusa.

Published: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:28:36

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Michigan governor addresses town hall at headquarters

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder addressed a town hall meeting for Chrysler Group employees and contractors during a visit to the company’s Auburn Hills corporate headquarters on Monday.

Those with Internet access at work can watch the webcast of the governor’s presentation at http://www.host4video.com/chrysler/snyder/.

Published: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:23:55

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Company matches dealers with minority-owned suppliers

Chrysler Group is playing matchmaker in Southern California today as it brings together 40 Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and Fiat dealers with 67 minority-owned suppliers from across the state.

More than 200 representatives from these California dealerships and suppliers will meet in Newport Beach.

This pilot Dealer Matchmaker event is designed to help Chrysler Group dealers learn about minority-owned suppliers and consider them for future business. These suppliers can provide the dealers with everything from furniture and office equipment to information technology, construction and training services.

“We are hoping to create some long-lasting relationships between our California dealers and these minority-owned suppliers and vendors,” Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, and member of the company’s Diversity Council, said. “We would like to continue these matchmaking events in other parts of the country.”

All of the participating suppliers were certified as minority-owned businesses by the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council. The matchmaker event is being hosted by Chrysler Group’s Network Development organization and Diversity Council.

The Dealer Matchmaker initiative is fashioned after Chrysler Group’s benchmark Supplier Matchmaker event, which has been held annually the past 12 years in the fall at the company’s Auburn Hills Complex. The Supplier Matchmaker event is focused on providing minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses access to the Chrysler Group’s tier one suppliers and the company’s procurement organization.

Since the Chrysler Group first launched the annual Supplier Matchmaker event in 1999, it has become a premier networking event in the automotive supplier diversity community. This year’s event grew to more than 2,000 participants, including 270 minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and majority-owned Chrysler Group suppliers.

The Chrysler Group’s diversity goals require that 10 percent of a tier one supplier’s procurement buy be sourced to certified minority suppliers. The company announced early this year that it spent $2.1 billion with approximately 200 minority suppliers in 2011, representing 13.4 percent of its total annual purchasing. Since 1983, the company has purchased more than $45 billion from minority-owned suppliers.

“Chrysler remains as committed as ever to creating a diverse and sustainable supply base that directly reflects our customer base,” Sig Huber, Director—Supplier Relations, said. “The Chrysler Group’s Matchmaker concept creates business connections that ultimately lead to positive economic outcomes for our supplier partners, our company, our customers, our communities and, now potentially, our dealers.”

Published: Tue, 15 May 2012 17:34:48

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Engaging people and achieving results with WCM (video)

As Chrysler Group employees continue on the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) journey, many positive improvements are being recorded.

This video, showcasing WCM results achieved throughout 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, features Scott Garberding, Senior Vice President–Manufacturing/WCM; Mauro Pino, Head of WCM; and General Holiefield, Vice President and Director–UAW Chrysler Department; along with several other Chrysler Group employees and facilities.

Published: Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:58

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Chrysler Group soars in supplier survey; company responds

Chrysler Group and General Motors learned some very hard lessons during their 2009 bankruptcies, including one taught by their Japanese competitors: Better supplier relations pay dividends. There’s increasing evidence to show that lesson is taking root, the Automotive News reported.

An annual report on how suppliers view their automaker customers finds that Chrysler Group and GM have reduced dramatically the supplier-relations gap with perennial leaders Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.—in part because those Japanese automakers have fallen from their former pedestals, the trade paper said. Better supplier relations for automakers lead to lower pricing, quicker sharing of technology and better quality parts, says John Henke Jr., president of Planning Perspectives Inc., the Detroit-area consulting firm that conducted this year’s annual survey of North American suppliers, the Automotive News said.

Among the findings: While still tops among the six largest North American automakers, Toyota and Honda slid to their lowest-ever scores, the report said. Chrysler Group and GM had their highest scores ever, extending a string of annual improvements that began in 2009

Chrysler Group released the following statement from Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Purchasing and Supplier Quality, regarding the survey:

“We are very pleased to see evidence that the work we are doing to improve our relationships with our suppliers is making an impact. The survey results make it clear that while we are on the right track, we still have a long way to go. Based on input from our suppliers, we are currently piloting several new programs that we feel will continue to move the needle in the right direction in 2012 and beyond. Strong supplier relationships are a high priority for Chrysler, and we will continue to look for ways to improve collaboration with our supply chain with the ultimate goal of building the great cars and trucks that our customers expect and deserve.”

Published: Mon, 14 May 2012 20:26:48

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Weekend motorsports recap

Unpredictable. That’s the best way to describe Darlington Raceway, affectionately known as “The Lady in Black” or “The Track Too Tough to Tame” for more than 60 years.

No other NASCAR Sprint Cup Series venue has challenged drivers quite like the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped track in Darlington, S.C.

This year’s event was unpredictable in an unusual way. There were plenty of cars with the usual “Darlington Stripe” or other scars, but no caution for the first 172 laps. That’s uncharacteristic at the track where cautions are frequent.

Those 172 laps included two green-flag pit cycles. Only 14 cars were on the lead lap when the first caution appeared. Teams with issues were affected, having little time to make repairs or adjustments and make-up laps. The opportunity came in the final 195 laps as eight cautions appeared. The race was extended beyond the scheduled 367-lap distance for a green-white-checkered finish. There were 21 drivers on the lead lap at the finish.

Both Dodge drivers from Penske Racing benefitted from the cautions, but the results fell short of expectations.

Brad Keselowski made contact with the wall on lap 64 and ran most of the race two laps down before taking advantage of the wave-around following two of the cautions. That put the driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger back on the lead lap and in position for a finish of 15th.

“I think we had a top-15 Dodge,” Keselowski said. “I just tore it up early in the run. I got loose and hit the wall pretty good. I felt pretty lucky to get 15th out of the day. We kept working on it and Paul (Wolfe) had great strategy to get the laps back. This is what great teams do; they rally from adversity and we were able to do it tonight.”

Teammate A.J. Allmendinger also found himself a lap down early in the race, but had moved back even with the leaders and in position to challenge for a top-10 finish just 50 laps from the finish. Battling Jamie McMurray for position, the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger was squeezed into the Turn 4 wall. The damage required a visit to the garage for 11 laps while the 22 crew made repairs. Allmendinger finished 33rd.

Jimmie Johnson gave Rick Hendrick’s team his 200th Sprint Cup Series victory and ended his own winless streak of 16 races. It was Johnson’s 56th victory.

NASCAR Nationwide Series

Keselowski and Sam Hornish Jr. posted top-five finishes in Friday night’s Nationwide race at Darlington Raceway. Both drivers had personal bests at the 1.366-mile track.

Keselowski finished third in the No. 22 Snap-on Dodge Challenger with Hornish right behind in fourth in the No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger.

“We were solid, just need a little more speed to be able to run and contend for a win,” Keselowski. “We’re working on that, but happy to get a solid finish. We’ve had several races this year with our team where I felt like we had a shot at winning, but didn’t put it all together at the end. And we’ve had races like today where we really weren’t that strong and did a really great job putting it all together at the end. When we put those two together, we can win some races.”

It was Hornish’s second top-five of the season.

“I’m happy we got out of here with a top five,” Hornish said. “We beat all the guys we were racing for points. We didn’t beat ’em by as much as we would have liked, but all in all, we’ll take what we can get and go on to the next race.”

Hornish remains a solid fourth in the season standings after nine races. He’s 59 points behind the leader.
The race was extended beyond the scheduled distance for a green-white-checkered finish following the sixth caution of the night. Joey Logano took the win, edging Denny Hamlin.

SRT Viper Cup

Last year, the SRT Viper Cup Series presented by Pennzoil Ultra championship went down to the final event of the season at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway before Texan Ben Keating clinched the title. It’s a different story in 2012.

Keating remains unbeaten this season after sweeping both events during the weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., just as he did in the season-opener at Road Atlanta. Keating’s margin of victory on the 14-turn, 4.048-mile circuit was 7.5 seconds over former IndyCar driver Richie Hearn. Keating’s teammate Jeff Courtney was third.

While Keating was making his drive to victory look easy, there was intense competition from fourth through eighth. Ralph Gilles, third in Saturday’s race, just missed a podium finish. He ended up fourth followed by Jim Booth in fifth.

The inverted field from the previous day’s finish proved to be only a temporary obstacle for Keating. He was up to second after two laps and took the lead on the third. He led the final 11 laps.

“I don’t like that last race stuff,” Keating said referring to clinching the 2011 championship. “This gives me a pretty good advantage, but we still have a lot of racing left. David (Pintaric) was the closest to me in points, but after he crashed yesterday, that opened things up a little.

“I’ve only been driving six years, and I’ve changed a lot over those six years. My first season, I didn’t get a podium finish. It’s a matter of learning the car, getting the setup right and being a smart driver. When I get somebody in front of me, I get more focused, more competitive. I’m one of the most competitive guys I know. Everybody has to have a vice and this is mine. I’m going to do it well.”

Contact as the field took the green flag from a standing start proved costly for Hearn. His left front fender was damaged.

“The damage just killed my aero and that killed my tires,” Hearn said. “I wasn’t going to catch Ben and didn’t see anybody close behind, so I made sure I made it to the end.”

Gilles finished third in Saturday’s race and was challenging Courtney for a podium finish in the closing laps Sunday.

“That was easily the busiest race of my life,” Gilles said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever run a race with the field inverted. Everybody was very fast, very technical. In my case, we were probably a little low on tire pressure at the start. It finally came in and I started putting down some great laps. I was able to close in on Courtney, but couldn’t make the pass. It was smart racing as everyone gave each other room. This SRT Viper has depth. No matter how hard you drive it, it’s there for you.”

Stunt coordinator/actor Darrin Prescott, the second celebrity driver along with Hearn, won’t soon forget his weekend at Road America.

“This is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my entire life,” Prescott said. “It’s so much fun. These guys are so fast, so fast. The course is so challenging and everything is happening three times as fast as what I’m used to. I was going at my limit and these guys are so far ahead of me. The car is so predictable. It’s all car; the only thing holding it back was me.”

Published: Mon, 14 May 2012 18:54:28

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Foundation-sponsored teams compete in robotic championships

Nine Chrysler Foundation-sponsored First Robotics teams recently participated in the First Robotics Championship in St. Louis.

The event is the culmination of the 2012 season. Teams spent January and February designing and building their robots, and competed in district, state and regional tournaments in March and April to secure their spots at the championship.

Four hundred teams competed at the event. Teams were divided into four divisions, with each division competing for a spot in the championship finals.

In the Galileo Division, Team 33, the Killer Bees from Notre Dame Preparatory in Auburn Hills, Mich., ranked first overall, finished as a quarterfinalist. The Killer Bees also received the championship Industrial Design Award.

Team 1718, the Fighting PI from Macomb Academy of Arts and Sciences in Armada, Mich., ranked fifth, finished as a quarterfinalist. Team 2337 the EngiNerds from Grand Blanc High School, in Grand Blanc, Mich., ranked 12th, finished as a quarterfinalist.

Team 51, Wings of Fire, from Pontiac High School in Pontiac, ranked 18th, finished as a quarterfinalist. Team 2960, the Maple Machine from Birmingham Seaholm and Birmingham Groves High Schools, in Birmingham, Mich., also competed in the Curie Division.

In the Newton Division, Team 2834, the Bionic Barons, from Andover and Lahser High Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., ranked 21st overall, finished as a quarterfinalist.

Published: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:36:21

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Bonus cash allowance to benefit U.S. military members, families

Chrysler Group LLC today announced that the company will expand its support for the U.S. military by adding a $500 “Military Appreciation Bonus Consumer Cash” allowance to the retail purchase or lease of a new, eligible Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck or Fiat brand vehicle from May 14 through May 31, 2012.

The “Military Appreciation Bonus Consumer Cash” is on top of the $500 military bonus cash  the Chrysler Group already offers to eligible members of the military and their families.

Eligible consumers include active military, active military reserve, retired military (honorable discharge required) and retired military reserve (honorable discharge required). All honorably discharged veterans are eligible regardless of discharge date.

“The Chrysler Group and its dealers are proud to support the members of the U.S. armed forces and their families by offering this additional Military Appreciation Bonus Consumer Cash,” Reid Bigland, President and CEO–Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales, said. “During this 18-day period, eligible members of the military and their families can take advantage of this $1,000 cash allowance to purchase or lease a new Chrysler Group vehicle.”

This limited-time offer is available on 2012 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brand vehicles, excluding the 2012 Dodge Avenger SE, Chrysler 200 LX sedan, Dodge Journey AVP, Fiat 500 Abarth, all SRT models, and the Viper.

All eligible personnel must present their military I.D., discharge papers (DD214 form), or other documentation that clearly reflects their eligibility status to a franchised Chrysler Group dealer in the United States at the time of retail purchase of an eligible vehicle.

Additional information about this special promotion may be obtained from any participating Chrysler Group dealer.

Published: Mon, 14 May 2012 13:42:04

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Mobility awareness program slated for Auburn Hills

Chrysler Group LLC’s Automobility Program will host an employee awareness event at company headquarters the week of May 14.
 
This event is intended to increase employees’ understanding of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment options that enable people with disabilities to live an active and mobile lifestyle.

The Chrysler Group has been a leading supporter of mobility vehicle conversions since the 1980s.

“Chrysler Group was the first automaker to offer a commitment to lighten the financial burden of adaptive equipment installation on vehicles within the United States,” Steven Beahm, Vice President—U.S. Sales Operations, said. “We are proud to host this important event with some of the industry’s leading conversion companies displaying the latest in adaptive driver and passenger equipment and vehicle conversions.”

The week-long event is being held in conjunction with the first National Mobility Awareness Month and the debut of Chrysler Group’s new Automobility Program website at www.chryslerautomobility.com.

The employee awareness event will begin with a town hall from 3-5 p.m. Monday, May 14. Representatives of several mobility conversion companies will discuss their products and answer questions. A Dodge Grand Caravan R/T minivan with a lowered side-entry conversion will be on display at the event.

The program will continue on Tuesday, May 15, with a day-long exhibit of vehicles converted for use by those with mobility limitations. A converted minivan will be displayed in the tower lobby, and eight additional vehicles, demonstrating various conversion technologies, will be stationed in Tech Plaza for the day. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with representatives from the Chrysler Group and various conversion companies available to provide information and answer questions.

While this event is designed for all Chrysler Group employees, the company’s designers and engineers are particularly interested in meeting with the attending up-fit companies to examine the latest equipment that can help people with disabilities to enter, exit and operate a new vehicle.

Static displays will be available for viewing through Friday, May 18.

“There are more than 18 million people in the United States and Canada with mobility issues,” Beahm said. “That is an opportunity to foster new customers for Chrysler Group products, but more importantly, it is a call to us to help our customers with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest.”

The Automobility Program’s new website shows many examples of the driver and passenger mobility equipment up-fits possible on Chrysler Group vehicles to meet individual requirements. The site also has reference links and will provide a better understanding to the end-user of the Chrysler Group’s continued commitment to financially assist special needs customers.

The new website provides all the details on how customers can take advantage of the Chrysler Group cash reimbursement to help reduce the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on a new Chrysler Group vehicle. When you buy or lease any new Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram or Fiat vehicle from a participating dealer, Chrysler Group will give you a cash reimbursement to help reduce the cost of installing the adaptive driver or passenger equipment on your vehicle. Qualifying conversions to Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and Fiat models qualify for a maximum reimbursement of $1,000.

Since 2000, the Chrysler Group has provided more than 80,000 incentive grants to assist with mobility-related conversions of its vehicles.

To further mark National Mobility Awareness Month in May, the Chrysler Group will donate a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, in conjunction with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, to an individual who is struggling with or overcoming mobility challenges. Friends and family members are encourage people to vote for their local hero story at www.MobilityAwarenessMonth.com for a chance to win the wheelchair accessible minivan.

Published: Fri, 11 May 2012 20:17:11

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Under the Pentastar for May 7-11, 2012

Under the Pentastar is a video recap of the top stories from the Chrysler Group for the past week.

This week’s stories include:
- Dodge Dart job one
- Manufacturer of the year
- Talladega win
- Kokomo volunteers

Published: Fri, 11 May 2012 19:57:24

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Book lists minivan among ’15 most-influential autos’

Sedans, vans and station wagons all were passe by the end of the 1970s until Chrysler converged the three into a vehicle that revolutionized the auto industry, an AOL Autos review of a new book said.

When the company introduced the minivan at the end of 1983, it had an instant success on its hands, one that helped rescue it from the brink of bankruptcy, the website said. In his new book, “Engines of Change,” author Paul Ingrassia calls the Chrysler minivan one of the 15 most influential vehicles in automotive history, the article said.

 The minivan both shaped and reflected changes in American culture; the minivan “would help define the lifestyle of a generation, or at least the lifestyles of baby boomers who were into painting the nursery instead of painting the town,” Ingrassia writes, the article said. “All this would signal a shift in America’s love affair with the automobile from sleek cars to tall and burly trucks,” the book says, AOL Autos reported.

Over the course of nearly three decades, the company alone has sold more than 12 million minivans, the story said. (AOL Autos)

Published: Thu, 10 May 2012 20:42:18