AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Chehab recognized for his role in the development of Chrysler Brand's "Born of Fire" commercial and "Imported from Detroit" advertising campaign
• Crain's: "The commercial transcended mere car selling"
• Newsmaker of the Year event was held on Feb. 23 in Detroit

Saad Chehab, President and Chief Executive Officer - Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, has been selected by Crain's Detroit Business as a 2011 Newsmaker of the Year for his role in the development of Chrysler Brand's "Imported from Detroit" advertising campaign. The campaign launched with a now famous two-minute commercial, titled 'Born of Fire,' that aired during Super Bowl XLV.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120223/DE58536 )

"The spot was seen by the largest TV audience in U.S. history," Crain's wrote when announcing Chehab for the award in January. "Reaction nationally was instant: Detroiters and industry observers hailed it, critics were impressed and views and excited conversation exploded on YouTube and social media. The commercial transcended mere car selling, allowing the city and region to latch onto it as if to say, 'Yeah, we're from Detroit.'"

The Newsmaker of the Year event was held on February 23 in Detroit.

"I'm honored to accept this recognition on behalf of the outstanding team who contributed to the success of the 'Born of Fire' spot and 'Imported from Detroit' campaign," said Chehab. "It energized peoples' interest in the Detroit region and the Chrysler Brand and was a source of pride for our employees, customers and business partners."

Chehab was appointed Head of Lancia and Chrysler Brands and named a member of the Group Executive Council (GEC) for Fiat S.p.A. on September 1, 2011. The GEC is the highest executive decision making body within Fiat outside of its Board of Directors and is responsible for reviewing the operating performance of the businesses, setting performance targets, making key strategic decisions and investments for the Group and sharing best practices, including the development and deployment of key human resources.

In addition to his new appointment, Chehab continues as Director, Advertising and Brand Marketing at Chrysler Group, where he is also responsible for overseeing advertising strategy and brand marketing program coordination for each of the Company's brands. Chehab joined Chrysler Group from Ford Motor Company in 2009. Chehab a U.S. citizen, holds a degree in architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon.

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, Dodge Durango, 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

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