Chrysler Group LLC to Donate Samsung Tablets to United Way of Southeastern Michigan

Technology Donation to Help Detroit High School Students Prepare for College

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May 09, 2014, 10:30 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC will donate 160 Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 - 16GB tablets to United Way of Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) to help Detroit high school students become college and career ready.

Initially used May 6 by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to present the company's five-year plan, UWSEM will reload the tablets with financial planning and educational tools. Subsequently, the tablets will be given to college-bound juniors and seniors at high schools that are part of United Way's High School Turnaround Initiative. The tablets have a total retail value of more than $52,000.

"Chrysler Group understands that help has no timeline – that there are people who are struggling and could use a 'hand up'," said Mauro Pino, Vice President - Head of NAFTA Manufacturing/World Class Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC and Co-Chair Chrysler Group's United Way Campaign. "With all of us working together and supporting United Way in 'Advancing the Common Good,' we know that there are lives that we can help improve not only today but also in the future."

Guided by the belief that no child should go to a high school with less than a 60 percent chance of graduation, UWSEM set a goal in 2008 of turning around or shutting down 30 high schools in the region (among 2,000 nationwide) labeled "dropout factories" by 2018. These efforts will not succeed without community participation and ownership. As a result, UWSEM is using its investment process to foster robust non-profit, business and community partnerships that will advance evidenced-based solutions and practices in Detroit schools.

"We are so grateful to Chrysler Group LLC for its donation of Samsung tablets for use by those students in our turnaround high schools who are preparing for college," said Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "These tablets will be a crucial tool in assuring that our students are technologically savvy and primed for college-ready work."

Chrysler Group employees have a proud history of giving back to their community. In 2013, employees in the United States and Canada donated nearly $6 million. And with additional funds raised through company-sponsored events, such as "Battle of the Brands II" hockey games with National Hockey League alumni and a corporate donation, a combined total of nearly $7.2 million was contributed to UWSEM.

In the year prior, Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne kicked off the organization's annual community giving campaign with a symbolic torch lighting ceremony on Detroit's Hart Plaza. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan 2012-2013 Community Giving Campaign raised $35,121,006, surpassing its $35 million goal, representing an increase of 11 percent from last year's campaign total.

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.liveunitedsem.org.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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