Chrysler Group LLC Receives Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Annual Corporate Equality Index

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ --

• Index rates employers annually based on their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workplace policies and benefits
• Chrysler one of 338 leading employers to achieve a perfect score in 2011, the fifth time the Company has achieved a perfect score on this important index  
• Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC): "Employees are protected from employment discrimination because employers like Chrysler maintain strong policies on diversity and inclusion, training and benefits"

According to a report released this week, Chrysler Group LLC was one of 338 leading employers to score a perfect 100 percent on HRC's 2011 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI rates corporations annually based on their LGBT workplace policies and benefits.  HRC rated 618 employers for the 2011 report.  This was the fifth time Chrysler has achieved a perfect score on the CEI.

The HRC is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality.

"Chrysler is committed to an inclusive culture," said Lisa J. Wicker, Director - Talent Acquisition, Global Diversity, Training & Compliance, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our employees feel that they can contribute fully to the success of our Company because we've created an inclusive business environment in which all people and ideas are welcome and respected."  

According to the report, federal law does not protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation, although many cities, counties and states have such protections. Similarly, employer-based health insurance benefits typically don't cover LGBT workers and their families.

"Employees are protected from employment discrimination because employers like Chrysler maintain strong policies on diversity and inclusion, training and benefits," the HRC report notes. "Now in its ninth year, the CEI has helped lead a sea-change in the workplaces practices of corporate America by assessing more than 30 specific policies and practices covering nearly every aspect of employment for LGBT workers."

The Corporate Equality Index 2011 report is available at www.hrc.org/cei.

About Chrysler's Leadership Commitment to Diversity

Chrysler historically has been a leader in promoting diversity throughout its enterprise. The Company was named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine 12 times, and has been recognized five times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion.  In 2009 and 2010, Chrysler was named to Hispanic Business magazine's prestigious Diversity Elite 60, for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

Early in 2010, CEO Sergio Marchionne assumed the role as executive sponsor of Chrysler's Global Diversity Council and reaffirmed the commitment of Chrysler's leadership team to the values and principles of diversity. "Culture is the fabric that holds organizations together. It is not just an ingredient for success; it is the essence of success itself," Marchionne wrote. "This is why my leadership team and I are committed to creating an atmosphere where all of our people feel respected and valued, because every person plays an important role in shaping our future, including employees, our supply base, our marketing and our dealer network. Chrysler Group LLC and its people have a future with promise. We will reach the full measure of that promise only as one, united diverse team."

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck 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'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 Truck. 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.

Corporate Website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC