All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Wins "Family Car of Texas" From Texas Auto Writers Association

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid wins top award as Family Car of Texas, plus Minivan of Texas, Green Car of Texas and Best Feature (Hybrid powertrain)
• All-new 2017 Jeep® Compass wins Activity Vehicle of Texas
• 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT wins Performance Utility Vehicle of Texas
• FCA US vehicles take home the most awards of any manufacturer at the annual competition

Several FCA US vehicles took top honors at the Texas Auto Roundup hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid took one of the top prizes as the Family Car of Texas. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also received Minivan of Texas, Green Car of Texas and Best Feature (Hybrid powertrain).

Jeep® vehicles received several awards with wins for the 2017 Jeep Compass as Activity Vehicle of Texas and the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT as Performance Utility Vehicle of Texas.

"Several vehicles from FCA US were top performers at the Roundup this year," said Nic Phillips, President of TAWA. "The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan was the clear leader for one of our top awards, the Family Car of Texas. As the industry's first electrified hybrid minivan, Chrysler has taken not only this family vehicle but the entire plug-in electric class to a whole new level. The Pacifica is loaded with high-tech features that make it easy to connect, charge and maximize the efficiency of the vehicle, not to mention offering the safety features and technology that every family deserves."

Phillips continues, "The Jeep brand vehicles also impressed our judges. The 2017 Jeep Compass led the diverse Activity Vehicle category, offering excellent versatility, capability and Jeep's go-anywhere styling, while the Grand Cherokee SRT continues to demonstrate the incredible package of handling, power and segment value, worthy of our Performance Utility Vehicle award."

With its 20 turns, 133-foot hill and a coned-slalom segment in the straightaway, the 3.4-mile track at COTA provided a world-class driving experience for evaluating vehicles in side-by-side comparisons unlike any other automotive media event. A total of 52 TAWA journalists attended and drove 42 vehicles during the two-day event. 

FCA US won the most awards of any manufacturer with the following honors: 

Chrysler Brand

• Family Car of Texas: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Minivan of Texas: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Green Vehicle of Texas: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Best New Feature: Hybrid Powertrain, 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Jeep

• Activity Vehicle: 2017 Jeep Compass
• Performance Utility Vehicle: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of the year. 

The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its innovative, advanced hybrid powertrain. It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range. 

All-new 2017 Jeep Compass
The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass expands the brand's global vehicle reach with a world-class compact SUV that enters a growing segment worldwide. Providing customers with legendary and leading 4x4 off-road capability, Jeep Compass offers superior on-road driving dynamics, best-in-class fuel-efficient powertrains – 17 combinations for global markets – and authentic Jeep design including an open-air dual-pane sunroof.  Boasting state-of-the-art safety and technology, Jeep Compass offers more than 70 available advanced safety and security features instilling confidence in all driving conditions. 

North American models are powered by the fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark, delivering best-in-class fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon (mpg) highway and 4x4 fuel economy of 31 mpg highway with 2.4-liter Tigershark Multiair Engine when paired with six-speed manual transmission. With a choice of three transmissions, customer can choose the class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission for 4x4 models, the six-speed automatic transmission for 4x2 models or the six-speed manual transmission for 4x2 and 4x4 models. Jeep Compass also offers the fourth-generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the choice of 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens with pinch-and-zoom capability. 

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
The Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT is powered by the proven 6.4-liter V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Performance includes 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in 16.3 seconds, quarter mile in the mid-13 second range and a top speed of 160 mph. New for 2017 are a new, distinctive front fascia, grille and fog lamps that build upon the SRT exclusive stealth-like exterior appearance. 

The Grand Cherokee SRT features various drive modes that allow owners the ability to personalize their drive experience whether its on-road or on-track. Drive modes are pre-configured for Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow settings via a switch on the center console, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.  Standard launch control mimics a professional driver's inputs to optimize Grand Cherokee SRT's performance by bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control and suspension in line for a textbook launch. Controlled by a button on the center console, the result is improved and more consistent straight-line acceleration.

About TAWA
TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, with a mission to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and disseminate information about the industry through news-related print, online and broadcast media. TAWA produces two driving events each year — the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies. For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.

About the Texas Auto Roundup
The Texas Auto Roundup, hosted by TAWA and sponsored by the Steel Market Development Institute, is held annually to allow dozens of journalists to evaluate the cars, CUVs and SUVs sold in Texas. The Texas Auto Writers Association hosts the event and hands out a variety of awards every spring, including the prestigious Car of Texas, Family Car of Texas and Performance Car of Texas.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT® and Alfa Romeo brands as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar® and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA). 

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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