Chrysler, Jeep® Most Improved Brands in J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS)

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Jun 22, 2016, 01:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Town & Country Lead Their Segments

Chrysler and Jeep® most improved brands in initial quality
Dodge Challenger leads Midsize Sporty Car segment in initial quality for third consecutive year, fourth time in six years
Chrysler Town & Country is highest ranking Minivan in quality study, Dodge Grand Caravan ranks second in segment

Chrysler and Jeep® are the most improved brands in J.D. Power's 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS) with both brands improving their initial quality scores by 20 percent from last year's study.

For a third consecutive year and for the fourth time in six years (2011, 2014-16), Dodge Challenger ranks at the top of the Midsize Sporty Car segment.

FCA US minivans also performed well in the study. Chrysler Town & Country ranks highest among Minivans in initial quality with Dodge Grand Caravan taking second place in the segment.

"Our commitment to quality is starting to show results as Chrysler and Jeep make strong improvements in initial quality, but there is still much work to do," said Scott Garberding, Head of Quality, FCA – Global. "My colleagues and I are focused on continuing the positive momentum created so far as we look to earn and maintain the trust and loyalty of customers across all our brands."

IQS is based on responses from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study asks customers to identify issues with their vehicles' design, as well as defects.

"Dodge Challenger continues to impress new owners year after year with the muscle car now leading the Midsize Sporty Car segment in initial quality for the third straight year and the fourth time in six years," Garberding added. "Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue their leadership position in the segment by taking the top two spots in initial quality."

The Dodge brand's Challenger muscle-car arsenal for 2016 is reloaded as the most complete model lineup with 10 trim levels, ranging from the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat to the 305-horsepower, 30-mpg, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6-powered SXT model. All 2016 Dodge Challenger models are designed and engineered for world-class precision and outstanding performance.

Challenger previously achieved the highest IQS ranking among Midsize Sporty Cars in 2011, 2014 and 2015, as well as being named a segment leader in the J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study^SM in 2014 and 2015.

The IQS study, now in its 30^th year, is based on a 233-question survey conducted between February and May 2016.

About the 2016 Chrysler Town & Country
As one of the leading innovators in the minivan segment since its creation back in 1983, the Chrysler Town & Country has spent more than three decades delivering versatility, functionality and innovation. With exquisite styling, a beautifully crafted interior, 55 available safety and technology features, smart, cutting-edge entertainment features, and clever seating and storage options, the Chrysler Town & Country delivers on the Chrysler brand promise to provide every owner a vehicle that satisfies their desires. For 2016, the Chrysler Town & Country is available in the United States in six different models: the Town & Country LX, Town & Country Touring, Town & Country S, Town & Country Touring-L, Town & Country Limited and Town & Country Limited Platinum.

About the 2016 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge and SRT brands offer the most complete lineup of muscle cars in the market, including the 2016 Dodge Challenger SXT with its standard powerful and fuel-efficient Pentastar V-6 engine combined with the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission that delivers 305 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway; the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T with the high-torque 5.7-liter HEMI® paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual transmission; and the 6.4-liter HEMI Challenger R/T Scat Pack that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque (the most horsepower and torque available for less than $40,000) with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual. The 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 adds six-piston Brembo® front brakes, adaptive damping suspension and SRT Drive Modes to the same 6.4-liter naturally aspirated HEMI powerplant, while the Challenger SRT Hellcat with its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine is the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever.

About Chrysler Brand
Whether it is the family-room-on-wheels functionality of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the groundbreaking, bold design of the Chrysler 300, or the simple elegance and extraordinary driving experience of the Chrysler 200, Chrysler brand vehicles reward the passion, creativity and sense of accomplishment of its owners. Beyond just exceptionally designed vehicles, the Chrysler brand has incorporated thoughtful features into all of its products, such as the innovative center console with pass through storage and sliding cup holders in the Chrysler 200, the industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and storage system on the Chrysler Pacifica and the fuel-saving Fuel Saver Technology in the Chrysler 300.

The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.

About Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

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