Chrysler 300 and Jeep® Grand Cherokee Win AutoPacific '2012 Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction' Awards

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the automotive research group AutoPacific has named Chrysler 300 as "Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction" for the "Large Car" category, and Jeep® Grand Cherokee, for the second year in a row, won the "Premium Mid-Size SUV" category.

"We are honored to have the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee receive awards for 'Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction' by AutoPacific," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales and President and CEO – Dodge Brand. "Recognition from our buyers underscores our efforts towards improving quality and customer satisfaction at Chrysler."

"The Chrysler 300 is the reincarnation of the image-heavy original. Now with more finesse but no less personality, the 300 owners are the most satisfied of any buying a large car today," said George Peterson, President, AutoPacific. "The Grand Cherokee wins the best in class Vehicle Satisfaction Award for the second year in a row. Grand Cherokee owners gain their satisfaction through the overall capability and quality of the vehicle's design."

The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based solely on owners' satisfaction ratings of their new vehicle. Respondents to this survey are owners of new 2012 model year cars and trucks purchased from September through December 2011. The winners of these awards perform well in 48 separate categories that measure the ownership experience. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of more than 75,000 new car and light truck owners in the first quarter of 2012 to determine the winners.

2012 Chrysler 300
Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestic luxury sedan, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 series sedans offer world-class technological innovation and quality while delivering stylistic distinction, best-in-class fuel efficiency and premium E-segment sedan features at a legendary value.

Adding an avant-garde appearance to the letter-series flagship sedans, the all-new Chrysler 300S V-6 and V-8 models take the American brand in a new direction with world-class ride and handling, discrete exterior styling elements, contemporary interior materials and state-of-the-art technology features –including the studio quality sound experience of Beats™ by Dr. Dre technology.

Once limited to premium import vehicles, the new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300, 300 Limited, 300S (V-6) and 300 Luxury Series models and delivers up to 31 best-in-class highway mpg. And with the segment's most advanced all-wheel-drive system, the all-new Chrysler 300 V-6 AWD models deliver best-in-class city and highway fuel economy (18/27) and even more year-round grand-touring performance.

Designed to be the most luxurious Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models take the Chrysler 300 further, integrating ultra-premium leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most-awarded SUV ever. Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 miles per gallon), a driving range of more than 550 miles, superb on-road ride and handling, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.

Contributing to Grand Cherokee's class-leading capability is the combination of Jeep's Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system and the Jeep Selec-Terrain™ traction control system that lets customers choose the 4x4 setting for the optimum driving experience on all terrains.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three 4x4 systems, and with either V-6 or V-8 powertrains.

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