Chrysler Group Donates $500,000 to Kokomo Family YMCA

KOKOMO, Ind., Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC today announced a donation of $500,000 to support the Kokomo Family YMCA's planned new facility. The new 73,000-square-foot building, to be located in downtown Kokomo, will offer area residents more amenities than the current YMCA including a health and wellness center, double gymnasium, an indoor running track and a lap pool. 

"Chrysler Group is pleased to help play a role in promoting health and wellness for children and their families in Kokomo and Howard County," Brian Harlow, Vice President and Head of Powertrain Manufacturing – Chrysler Group LLC said. "Today's announcement also is part of Chrysler's commitment to assist the City of Kokomo with its ongoing efforts to enhance the city through revitalization of the downtown community."

Chrysler Group has a solid history of recognition in the health arena as a leader in healthy and sustainable lifestyles of its employees and their families. The National Business Group on Health has recognized Chrysler Group as one of the nation's leading corporations providing comprehensive programs that support a healthy workplace and promote healthy lifestyles for employees and their families.

"We are passionate about changing our community and leading the way in healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. To continue accomplishing that mission, it became clear we needed a new YMCA facility for Howard County," Dave Dubois, Executive Director – Kokomo YMCA said. "Thanks to the generous support of Chrysler Group, we'll be able to serve more kids after school, provide a gathering place for people from all walks of life to come together, offer seniors a place to stay physically and socially active, and provide a healthy environment for families to spend time together. The entire community can become stronger."

As the largest employer in Kokomo, Chrysler Group and its employees have established a legacy of community support that includes volunteerism, providing financial support for charitable initiatives, and creating jobs through its facilities.

In February, Chrysler Group announced an investment of nearly $374 million to boost its transmission production and add about 1,250 new jobs in north-central Indiana, making it the largest transmission installation in the world. Overall, the Company has confirmed investments of more than $1.6 billion in Kokomo for production of the eight- and nine-speed transmissions as well as various other process improvements at all four area facilities – Kokomo Transmission, Kokomo Casting, Indiana Transmission I and Indiana Transmission II.

Additionally, The Chrysler Foundation, the Company's philanthropic arm, announced grants in May totaling $50,000 collectively to United Way of Howard County and the Tipton County Foundation to assist residents affected by flooding.

Chrysler Group currently employs more than 6,600 people in Kokomo. 

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, SRT, FIAT and Mopar 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 Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper 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.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC