All FCA US Brands Improve in J.D. Power 2017 US Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS)

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• All FCA US brands post year-over-year initial quality score improvements
• Chrysler Pacifica is highest ranking Minivan in quality study in its maiden year
• Dodge Challenger and Grand Caravan rank second in initial quality in respective segments
• Ram Truck improves initial quality by nearly 25 percent 

Ram Truck is the industry's most improved truck brand with more than a 24 percent improvement in the brand's initial quality score from last year's study. As a Company, FCA US improved its initial quality at a 50 percent faster rate than the industry average. This is the second consecutive year that FCA US has improved in initial quality at a faster rate than the industry average.

"We're pleased to see that all FCA US brands have made improvements in initial quality, especially Ram Truck with its big step up this year," said Scott Garberding, Head of Quality, FCA – Global. "My colleagues and I are focused on continuing to deliver quality new vehicles, like the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, as we continue to bring important new technologies into the market with an increasing number of exciting new vehicles launches in the coming years."

Four FCA US vehicles placed in the top three of their respective segments for initial quality.

IQS is based on responses from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2017 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study asks customers to identify issues with their vehicles' design, as well as defects.

"Dodge continues its leadership position among Midsize Sporty Cars and Minivans by taking one of the top two spots in initial quality in those segments with the Challenger and Grand Caravan respectively," Garberding added.

Challenger previously achieved the highest IQS ranking among Midsize Sporty Cars in 2011 and 2014 – 2016 as well as being named a segment leader in the J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study^SM in 2014 and 2015.

The IQS study, now in its 31^st year, is based on a 233-question survey conducted between February and May 2017.

About the 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.

About the 2017 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is the most powerful muscle car ever. The 2017 Dodge Challenger SXT, with its standard powerful and fuel-efficient Pentastar V-6 engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission, delivers 305 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. The Dodge Challenger R/T with the high-torque 5.7-liter HEMI® paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual transmission delivers up to 375 horsepower. The 392 HEMI delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque: the most horsepower and torque available for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) less than $40,000.

New for 2017, Dodge brings back the Challenger T/A to the naturally aspirated Dodge 5.7-liter and 392 HEMI lineup. Features include a new active exhaust system, wider wheels, performance tires, cold-air induction components, including new SRT Hellcat-inspired driver and passenger side "Air Catcher" headlamps featuring unique LED-illuminated T/A logos. Available hood pins are designed to highlight the Dodge brand's cultivation of its storied performance history. The Dodge Challenger T/A 392 adds six-piston Brembo front brakes. The SRT 392 features adaptive damping suspension and SRT Drive Modes. The Challenger SRT Hellcat with its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine is the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever.

About the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan continues its tradition of offering customers style, versatility and added features at an outstanding value. Since FCA US LLC invented the minivan segment more than 30 years ago, the innovative Grand Caravan has introduced nearly 80 segment firsts, including ParkView rear backup camera, Stow 'n Place roof rack system and selectable fuel economizer mode. One innovation that continues is the Grand Caravan's industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating, which can be easily operated with one hand, allowing users to convert from carrying seven to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds. The Grand Caravan is equipped with more than 55 available safety, security and technology features.

About the 2017 Ram 1500
Ram Truck builds America's longest-lasting pickups. Contributing to that title, the Ram 1500 boasts numerous segment-exclusive features in areas most important to truck buyers. Supporting best-in-class fuel efficiency of 29 miles per gallon is an exclusive EcoDiesel V-6 engine. Class leading ride and handling is accomplished via a unique link-coil rear suspension system with optional air suspension. Other features, such as Ram Box bedside storage, hidden bins and a flat-load floor, offer unique solutions for cargo. Available in 11 different trim levels, the Ram 1500 has a full-size pickup for everyone.

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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