Chrysler Group LLC Recognized for Diversity Leadership and Product Excellence at the 14th Annual Urban Wheels Awards

- Company receives diversity leadership award citing an historic commitment to diversity and diverse communities

- Ram Heavy Duty truck honored as a "Finalist" for Urban Truck of the Year, adding to its growing list of awards and distinctions

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Chrysler Group LLC

Jan 12, 2010, 07:30 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC received major recognition for diversity leadership and product excellence at the 14th Annual Urban Wheels Awards Tuesday evening in Detroit, Mich.

The Company received the Diversity Leadership Award citing its historic commitment to workplace diversity, small and minority-owned business development and to diverse communities, even in challenging times. In addition, the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty truck was honored as a "Finalist" for Urban Truck of the Year, adding to its growing list of awards and distinctions, which includes being named 2010 Truck of the Year by the editors of Motor Trend magazine.

The Urban Wheels Awards is an annual diversity event that is held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This is the only event that celebrates diversity in the automotive industry during the NAIAS. The Urban Wheels Awards brings attention to vehicles, executives, advertising and charitable endeavors that are particularly resonant with the diversity community, as determined by a panel of judges comprising diversity journalists. The annual event is supported by the diversity publication, On Wheels, which has broad exposure in the diversity community.

"Despite many challenges, Chrysler Group has maintained a leadership commitment to promote diversity throughout our business enterprise," said Fred M. Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group. "This is revealed by the many awards our diversity programs continue to receive and the innovation and pride reflected in the products our employees design and build -- products such as our Ram Heavy Duty truck, Motor Trend magazine's 2010 Truck of the Year."

"Chrysler Group has an outstanding record supporting diversity throughout its business and in the communities it serves," said Randi Payton, President and CEO of On Wheels Media. "This year -- in particular -- we wanted to recognize the Chrysler Group's consistently outstanding commitment to its workforce and to stimulating small and minority-owned businesses throughout the country."

Since 1983, Chrysler Group has purchased more than $41 billion from minority-owned companies. In addition, Chrysler Group was recently named to Hispanic Business magazine's Diversity Elite 60, for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

Regarding workplace diversity, Chrysler Group was recently named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine, the 12th time Chrysler Group has achieved this prestigious benchmark, and the second consecutive year the Company was the only automaker to be included on the list. Chrysler Group was recently recognized for the fourth time by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of 305 leading corporations to score a perfect 100 percent on the foundation's 2010 Corporate Equality Index, which rates corporations annually based on their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace policies and benefits.

"Our leadership teams are convinced that diversity will continue to be vital to building a successful Company and union for the future," said General Holiefield, UAW Vice President and Director the UAW Chrysler Department. "On behalf of our leadership teams, our employees and members, we are proud to receive this recognition."

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Ram, Dodge Car, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC