- Appoints new agency to handle media planning and buying

- Expands existing agency relationship to include CRM activities

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC announced today that UM will be the company's new agency of record for media planning and buying for the Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram brands in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The appointment is effective immediately.

The announcement comes as the contract with the company's current media buying agency, PHD, ends in January 2010. The two agencies will work over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition.

With the new agency, media buying and planning will be primarily run out of Detroit with the support of offices in New York and San Francisco. The scope of work covers traditional and digital media. In addition to media buying and planning, UM will also be tasked with supporting Chrysler's retail marketing initiatives.

"As a new company with a brand-driven focus, we are looking for agencies that can deliver unique ideas and solutions to help us better communicate with consumers," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand and Head of Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. "These changes will allow Chrysler greater efficiencies and flexibility in the use of its media across all four brands and at the retail level."

In addition, Chrysler also announced that Meredith Integrated Marketing will manage CRM initiatives for both the U.S. and Canada. This announcement builds on an already existing relationship Chrysler has with Meredith as a custom publisher. The team supporting Chrysler will be primarily based in Detroit.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation - first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 - and Fiat's complementary technology - from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized 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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