Chrysler Group LLC Recognizes 30 Dealerships for Eco-Friendly Operations

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Jul 19, 2013, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Second-annual Dealer Environmentally Conscious Operations (ECO) Program recognizes 30 Chrysler Group dealerships in U.S.
ECO dealers saving money and natural resources through significant environmental initiatives
Chrysler Group to share these best practices across its dealer network

Westgate Chrysler Jeep® Dodge Ram in Raleigh, N.C. is one of 30 dealerships that Chrysler Group LLC has recognized for adopting environmentally-friendly business practices.

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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130719/DE50105-b )
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Westgate installed 420 solar panels on its service department roof to take advantage of central North Carolina's abundant sunshine. This array of photovoltaic modules converts sunlight into usable electricity. But rather than using the energy in the dealership, Westgate sells it to the region's electric power company at a fixed rate.

By selling power generated by its solar panel system, Westgate realizes a monthly savings of $1,800 to $3,000, depending on the season, savings that typically is passed on to the dealership's customers.

"Westgate is a prime example of how our dealerships are making significant contributions to the environment and to Chrysler Group's commitment to creating a sustainable enterprise," said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development & Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. "We commend these dealers for their initiatives and look forward to sharing their stories and successes with other dealerships throughout our dealer network."

To educate customers about its dedication to green practices, and to provide a live report of its renewable energy generation, Westgate installed an LCD monitor in its showroom that displays current, daily, monthly, and annual system performance; the local weather; a view of the solar panels, and an education page on just how the system works.

Like Westgate, dealerships typically have service departments with large flat or slightly-slanted roofs, both conducive to a solar panel system. Westgate's sustainable practices extend beyond its rooftop solar array. For example, the dealership installed clean burn furnaces that utilize used waste oil to heat the service department and aid in reducing the use of fossil fuels and dependence on raw materials such as water.

This is the second group of dealers to be recognized under the Dealer ECO Program launched in 2011 by the Chrysler Group Network Development organization and the Corporate Sustainability Office. The Dealer ECO Program provides Chrysler Group dealers with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to eco-friendly business practices and to be recognized for their efforts.

The 30 Chrysler Group dealerships are located in 21 states, with four each in Michigan and Florida, and two each in California, North Carolina, and Texas. To commemorate their achievements, Chrysler Group recently presented each dealership with an ECO plaque and souvenirs for dealership employees.

The 30 dealerships were chosen for recognition based on data gleaned from dealership online surveys and in-dealership photos. Selection was based on a dealership's major ECO initiatives, energy efficiency, waste recycling, wastewater control, bulk oil containment, vehicle lift maintenance and community relations program.

The 30 dealerships and locations are: