"Ruedas ESPN" Honors FCA US with "Manufacturer of the Year" Award; Names Chrysler Pacifica "Vehicle of the Year"

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Sep 12, 2016, 11:21 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

FCA US LLC is named "Manufacturer of the Year" at the 2016 Ruedas ESPN Awards as part of the 46th Miami International Auto Show
Chrysler Pacifica earns top honor, winning "Vehicle of the Year" Award
Fiat 124 Spider, Ram 1500 Rebel and Chrysler Pacifica win "Best Vehicles" in their respective segments

2017 Chrysler Pacifica named "Vehicle of the Year" by "Ruedas ESPN"

"Ruedas ESPN" has named FCA US LLC the "Manufacturer of the Year" and selected the Chrysler Pacifica as the "Vehicle of the Year" at the 2016 Ruedas ESPN Awards as part of the 46^th Miami International Auto Show.

The Chrysler Pacifica, Fiat 124 Spider and Ram 1500 Rebel were also honored, winning "Best Minivan," "Best Convertible" and "Best Pickup Truck," respectively.

"Winning the prestigious 'Manufacturer of the Year' award shows that FCA US is listening to consumers by building vehicles that fit a wide variety of needs in today's competitive market," said Jaime Florez, Ruedas ESPN director and host. "In addition to the three FCA US vehicles winning in each of their segments, the Chrysler Pacifica takes home 'Vehicle of the Year,' impressing the judges with its innovative technology, versatility and bold styling."

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 standard and 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.

Awarded "Best Convertible," the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate fun-to-drive Italian roadster experience with technology, safety and iconic Italian design.

The Ram 1500 Rebel, winning "Best Pickup Truck," brings one-of-a-kind, off-road design to the full-size truck segment with unique design cues and can-do attitude backed by Ram Truck engineering. Equipped with a factory lift, 33-inch tires, standard air suspension, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, tow hooks and other off-road-ready features, the Ram 1500 Rebel appeals to the truck owner looking for a less beaten path.

For almost a decade and a half, "Ruedas ESPN" has carefully established the criteria to choose the nominees in every category. The vehicles must have been – or are scheduled to be in the market – before the last day of the current year, must have proven standards of quality, high levels of popularity among Hispanics, all while providing value.

The "Ruedas ESPN" executive committee was responsible for generating the nominations. Industry experts group of jurors selected the winners of the twelve basic categories in addition to the top prize, Ruedas ESPN Vehicle of the Year.

About "Ruedas ESPN"
"Ruedas ESPN" is a two hour radio show focused in the auto industry and the world of motorsports, designed to deliver useful and timely information for US Hispanics in an entertaining manner. Broadcast on the ESPN Deportes Radio network of more than 50 AM & FM stations all over the US and Puerto Rico, and on Channel 157 of both the SIRIUS and XM Satellite Radio systems, every Sunday at 11 AM (EST) it brings outstanding content to enrich a compelling listening experience. The sections include recommendations on how to best purchase a vehicle; interviews, reviews about cars; suggestions regarding insurance and financing, and coverage of the most important events in the automobile industry and the world of motorsports.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

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."

Follow FCA US news and video on:
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Company blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: 360.fcanorthamerica.com
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Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/
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Twitter (Spanish): www.twitter.com/fcausespanol
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