Detroit Free Press Honors Mike Manley and Jeep Brand Team With Prestigious "Automotive Difference Maker" Award

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Feb 08, 2016, 11:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Free Press has named Mike Manley (Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global) and the Jeep brand team a winner of its "Automotive Difference Maker" award. The esteemed award will be presented by the Free Press at the Detroit Athletic Club on March 15.

"Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' recovery from Chapter 11 bankruptcy simply would not have been possible without the rapid global expansion of the Jeep brand," the Detroit Free Press judges wrote. "In 2015, FCA sold more than 1.2 million Jeep SUVs worldwide, marking the fourth consecutive year that the brand sold the most vehicles in its history and its sixth consecutive year of sales increases.

"Mike Manley, Head of the Jeep Brand, has overseen product introductions here in North America and in Brazil, China and Italy," the judges continued. "Meanwhile, the Jeep team has reimagined the look of Jeep's best-selling nameplates, starting with the redesigned Grand Cherokee in 2010, the Jeep Cherokee in 2014 and the Jeep Renegade in 2015. Last year, the cute yet rugged Renegade was an instant hit in Europe, South America and the United States – giving Jeep a new nameplate that promises to be a pillar of growth for years to come."

In 2015, Jeep global vehicle sales increased 22 percent to record 1,237,583 units, while U.S. sales increased 25 percent to a record 865,028 units, with every Jeep vehicle realizing sales increases versus 2014. Sales of Jeep vehicles increased 56 percent in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and 135 percent in Latin America.

2015 marked the sixth consecutive year of increased Jeep sales, both globally and in the U.S. The previous five years saw increases of 39 percent global/41 percent U.S. (2014), 4 percent global/3 percent U.S. (2013), 19 percent global/13 percent U.S. (2012), 41 percent global/44 percent U.S. (2011), and 24 percent global/26 percent U.S. (2010).

In 2015, FCA began local manufacturing of Jeep vehicles in Brazil and returned to local manufacturing in China after an absence of nearly a decade, further globalizing the Jeep brand. In 2016, the Jeep brand celebrates its 75th anniversary.

In addition to being Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global, Manley is also Head of Ram Brand – FCA Global; Lead Executive for International Operations – FCA North America; member of Board of Directors – FCA US LLC; member of FCA Group Executive Council; and COO of FCA's Asia-Pacific Regional Operations.

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.

Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on:
FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com
Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: www.fca360.com
Jeep brand: www.jeep.com
Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/jeepexperience or www.flickr.com/chryslergroup Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jeep or www.pinterest.com/F CAcorporate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeepofficial or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo