Two Dodge Models Rank Highest in Their Segments In J.D. Power and Associates 2012 APEAL Study™

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Jul 25, 2012, 10:01 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Dodge Charger and Challenger ranked highest in their respective categories for second year in a row
Dodge is most improved of all industry brands in study
All returning Chrysler Group LLC brands improve over last year's scores
Chrysler 300 finishes second behind Dodge Charger in "Large Car" segment
Fiat 500 finishes second in "Sub-Compact Car" segment in its study debut

Chrysler Group LLC today announced significant improvement in J.D. Power and Associates' U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study™. All Chrysler Group brands, except FIAT which makes its study debut, have improved scores over last year's results. The Dodge brand was the most improved in the industry, increasing 21 points. The Ram brand improved with a 19-point increase.

The Dodge Charger ranked highest in the "Large Car" segment and the Dodge Challenger topped the "Midsize Sporty" segment. This was the second year in a row both vehicles ranked highest in their respective classes.

"This year's study results are a clear indication that Chrysler Group's focus on quality, design and performance is being recognized and appreciated by customers," said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group. "We listen to our customers and continually implement changes to our vehicles to meet, and exceed, their needs."

The Chrysler 300 finished second in the "Large Car" segment behind the Dodge Charger, and the Fiat 500 made its study debut finishing second in the "Sub-Compact Car" category.

The APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. Unlike IQS, which measures short-term quality, the APEAL Study identifies consumer likes and dislikes about their vehicle during the first 90 days of ownership, particularly regarding vehicle design, content, layout and performance.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on response from millions of customers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit jdpower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

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, Mopar, SRT and Fiat 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 Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 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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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC