Chrysler Group Announces Organizational Changes

* Global Marketing focuses on brand communications
* Directors named in Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group
* Vice President – Marketing named for DaimlerChrysler Canada
* Sales, Service and Parts Operations centralizes roles
* New appointments in Sales announced

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 30, 2006 –

Chrysler Group today announced a broad list of appointments and organizational changes to its Global Marketing and Global Product Planning staffs, designed to clarify roles between brand and product marketing functions. In addition, further changes were announced in Street and Racing Technology, DaimlerChrysler Canada, and also in the Sales group.

In Global Product Planning and Marketing, the following appointments were announced: Ann M. Fandozzi, 34, is appointed to Director – Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Product Planning and Marketing; Joseph Veltri, 47, is appointed Director – Body on Frame Product Planning and Marketing; and John Sloan, 50, is appointed Director – Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Product Planning and Marketing. All three will now report to Stephen J. Bartoli, Vice President – Global Product Planning and Marketing.

Meanwhile in Global Marketing, Thomas J. Loveless, 45, is appointed to the new position of Director – Dodge Marketing & Global Communications; David R. Rooney, 50, is appointed to the new position of Director – Chrysler Marketing & Global Communications; and John D. Plecha, 40, is appointed to the new position of Director – Jeep Marketing & Global Communications. Christine A. MacKenzie, 51, is appointed Executive Director – Multi-Brand Events and Agency Relations. All four will now report to Senior Vice President – Global Marketing George E. Murphy.

“These appointments will keep our focus laser-sharp on the brands as we support the record number of product launches in the works for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands,” said Murphy. “We’re focusing our brand marketing and global brand communications, integrating international product planning and ensuring continued emphasis on the vehicle engineering interface.”

A New Wave of Pacifica Rolls Ashore

* New front-wheel drive 2006 Chrysler Pacifica Limited option lands in showrooms this spring
* Each wave of Chrysler Pacifica models now offer front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 30, 2006 –

Chrysler Group is expanding the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica lineup, adding another option for crossover customers. The newest choice to roll ashore is the Chrysler Pacifica Limited model with front-wheel drive. It lands at dealer showrooms this March.

“The addition of the Chrysler Pacifica Limited with front-wheel drive offers consumers more choices,” said Ann Fandozzi, Director, Chrysler Marketing and Product Planning. “Some of our customers have told us they wanted the top-of-the-line Chrysler Pacifica Limited, but didn’t have a need for all-wheel drive. The new front-wheel-drive option on the Chrysler Pacifica Limited model fills that niche.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Chrysler Pacifica Limited with front-wheel drive is $34,810 (excluding $730 destination fee).

The Chrysler Pacifica has received the U.S. government’s highest crash test rating of five stars for frontal and side impacts (when equipped with supplemental three-row side curtain air bags), and the highest rating among vehicles tested in its class for rollover (four stars).

Viper Plant Tour to be Televised

Free (televised) tour of the Detroit plant where the iconic Dodge Viper is built. The “Best Damn Sports Show Period” on Fox Sports Net will feature the Chrysler Group’s Conner Avenue Plant that produces the Dodge Viper on Monday evening at 11 p.m. and midnight. Hosted by basketball star Jalen Rose, who hails from Detroit, the “Viper Plant Tour” also features footage of the Viper team. A note from the Sports Net said, “There’s obviously a strong sense of passion that is shared among the Viper team, and this was evident in discussions with everyone at the plant.” Tune in or set your recording device for 11 p.m. or midnight, Monday, Jan. 30, for the “Best Damn Sports Show Period” featuring the plant that produces the best damn sports car–period.

Outstanding future prospects for diesel in the US: BLUETEC – the technology for the cleanest diesel

Detroit, Jan 08, 2006
The E 320 BLUETEC and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC on display at the Detroit Motor Show 2006 mark the start of a unique Mercedes-Benz initiative: leading-edge BLUETEC technology makes the diesel powertrain in every vehicle category the cleanest diesel in the world. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles are renowned for their exceptional torque and pulling power, economical performance and impressive operating range. All of which adds up to a custom-designed powertrain which will be available to customers in the US beginning in 2006.

By introducing the innovative modular BLUETEC technology package, Mercedes-Benz has transformed the diesel engine into a powertrain with the potential to comply with the most stringent of emission standards anywhere – in all 50 US states and world-wide. A vision has therefore become reality as the extremely economical Mercedes-Benz CDI models are the cleanest diesels in the world in every category and consume between 20 to 40 percent less fuel than their gasoline counterparts. Both the E 320 BLUETEC (expected 35 mpg or 6,7 l/100 km) and the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC (expected 25 mpg or 9.4 l/100 km) will be easily the most economical vehicles in their respective categories in the US. Diesel vehicles play a key role in reducing both fuel consumption and the dependence on oil imports. The main reason why Mercedes-Benz diesels have enjoyed such success since their reintroduction in the US in 2004 is their impressive economic efficiency and performance.

ESPN Winter X Games Attendees Invited to Drive Jeep® Vehicles on Snow Track

Aspen, Colo., Jan 24, 2006 –

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Jeep® brand is creating a special snow-covered driving course, Jan. 26–31 in Aspen, Colo., where consumers can get behind the wheel of the iconic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and test the vehicle’s “go-anywhere, do-anything” capability.

The Jeep Snow Challenge driving course — complete with hills and ditches — will be open daily during the ESPN Winter X Games, Friday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the event will begin at 9 a.m. Shuttle service to the event will be available at the X Games Spectator drop-off area.

“Jeep is more than a brand, it is a lifestyle and it stands for freedom, mastery, authenticity and adventure,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep. “As incredible athletes of ESPN’s Winter X Games show off their capabilities, the Jeep vehicles will be showing off their capability.”

The Jeep brand will also host a number of additional events for fans and participants at the Winter X Games. Consumers can stop by the Jeep tent located in the ESPN interactive village to see the newest addition to the Jeep lineup, the Jeep Compass, and enter to win prizes.

Dodge Searches for the Finest Seat Stealers to Compete in the Dodge Ram Mega Musical Chairs Challenge

* Dodge Ram Mega Musical Chairs event kicks off the first day of the 2006 Chicago Auto Show
* Final six contestants compete to land in driver’s seat of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab
Grand Prize Winner awarded a new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab
* Enter contest at www.Dodge.com/RamMegaMusicalChairs

Chicago, Jan 24, 2006 – The Dodge brand announced today a search to recruit the finest “seat stealers” for a fanny-tastic sporting event at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show.

The Dodge Ram Mega Musical Chairs event will take place at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show on Friday, Feb. 10, and will bring fame and glory to one Grand Prize winner who’ll end up sitting in the driver’s seat of a new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab with the biggest cab on the market. The contest is designed to give taxi cab snaggers, bus seat bouncers and couch potatoes something better to do with their backsides.

“Musical chairs is a universally favorite game and we at Dodge just mega-sized the game with more at stake than just a chair,” said Fred Diaz, Director – Dodge Communications, Chrysler Group. “The Dodge Ram Mega Musical Chairs contestants will spend time sizing up the Dodge Ram Mega Cab with the industry’s most innovative seating and storage configurations, including the first reclining rear seats available in a pickup truck. One person will go home a Dodge Ram Mega Cab winner.”

Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and CEO, Urges U.S. Automotive Industry and Government to Solve Issues to Support U.S. Competitiveness

* Current Yen/Dollar Exchange Rate Maintains A Trade Advantage For Japanese Manufacturers
* U.S. Automotive Industry and Government Partnership Can Reduce Dependency On Foreign Oil
* Biofuels Offer Growth Opportunity For U.S. Automotive and Farm Industries – Announces Chrysler Group Use Of B20 In Its Commercial, Military and Government Fleet

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 23, 2006 –

Chrysler Group President and CEO, Tom LaSorda, spoke to members and guests of the Detroit Economic Club today, calling for government and industry leaders to address current issues facing the automotive industry.

“If those of us in positions of leadership do our jobs to make and keep our companies competitive; and if all of us demand that our elected officials do their part to enact and enforce policies that will level the playing field, there’s no doubt in my mind that we can achieve the competitiveness of Japan, or the improved energy self-sufficiency of Brazil,” said LaSorda.

More specifically, LaSorda viewed solving currency and energy issues as a quick and meaningful fix that would keep the U.S. automotive industry globally competitive.

The trade advantage that Japanese automakers have, has nothing to do with products, quality, productivity or any of the other attributes that we use to define competitiveness in this business, said LaSorda. He also questioned the support of U.S. government policies that do not call for the same advantage in the U.S. market. “The Japanese Central Bank intervenes in currency markets to keep the Yen cheap and to create an advantage for its industry. Why doesn’t our government do the same for us?”

DaimlerChrysler Expands Use of Biodiesel Fuel in Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks

* B20 biodiesel approved for government, military and commercial fleets
* Next step toward making clean, renewable biofuels an option for all diesel owners
* Extending the environmental benefits of modern clean diesel technology

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 20, 2006 –

DaimlerChrysler will expand the use of clean, renewable biodiesel fuel by approving use of B20 (20 percent biodiesel) in Dodge Ram pickup trucks.

Use of B20 is approved effective with the 2007 Model Year and will require use of biodiesel fuel that meets the fuel specifications established by the U.S. military.

Initially, DaimlerChrysler is approving use of B20 in Dodge Ram pickups equipped with Cummins diesel engines for its military, government and commercial fleet customers only. The company is working with the government, automotive suppliers, energy providers, universities and independent agencies on a national fuel standard that would make B20 an option for all owners of Dodge Ram diesels.

“Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on foreign oil,” said Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda in remarks prepared for the Economic Club of Detroit Jan. 23 meeting.

Chrysler Group Announces Organizational Changes in Global Marketing and Product Strategy

* Stephen J. Bartoli to Vice President – Global Product Planning and Marketing
* Jeffrey A. Bell appointed Vice President – Product Strategy
* Gordon M. Heidacker named Director – Strategic Projects

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 20, 2006 –

DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler Group today announced appointments in its Global Marketing and Product Strategy organizations.

Stephen J. Bartoli, 45, will be named to a new position as Vice President – Global Product Planning & Marketing and will report to Senior Vice President – Global Marketing George E. Murphy. Bartoli was formerly Vice President – Product Strategy.

Jeffrey A. Bell, 43, is appointed Vice President – Product Strategy. He will be responsible for product strategy and corporate strategy planning processes, reporting to Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric R. Ridenour. Bell previously held the position of Vice President – Global Chrysler / Jeep Marketing.

Gordon M. Heidacker, 44, has been named to the new position of Director – Strategic Projects, reporting to Bell. Heidacker previously served as Director – Hybrid Electric Vehicle Product Development.

The appointments and realignments will take effect Feb. 1, 2006.

Chrysler Group Outlines Global Expansion Plans for the Dodge Brand

Chrysler Group Outlines Global Expansion Plans for the Dodge Brand

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 18, 2006 –

Today at the Automotive News World Congress, Joe Eberhardt, Executive Vice President Global Marketing, Sales and Service – Chrysler Group, spoke about the company’s global brand strategy, themed “Brands Beyond Borders” and provided the audience with the strategic direction that Chrysler Group has for the global launch of Dodge brand products and the laws of automotive product branding as practiced by the Chrysler Group under his leadership.

“Chrysler Group believes it’s only fair that we take the fight to our global competitors in markets where it makes sense for us,” said Eberhardt. “We are launching a major effort to take Dodge to international markets based upon Dodge’s very American core values.”

During the presentation, Eberhardt reveals his core beliefs regarding automotive (product) branding and how those philosophies contributed to two successful years of increased sales and market share for the Chrysler Group.

Using examples of companies in other industries with strong brand identities, Eberhardt described how successful brands represent all things that matter to customers and how strong brands have the power to create consumer preference for those products the brands represent.