Chrysler Group LLC Reduces Corporatewide Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions by 370,000 Tons; Saving $50 Million

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ --

• 370,000 metric ton annual reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is approximately equal to the annual CO2 output of four large manufacturing plants or 71,000 automobiles
• Chrysler Group's Environmental Leadership Award (ELA) program results in $50 million annual savings
• Company's 2009 ELA recognizes employees and teams who create 'greener' processes throughout the company
• Environmental impact of awards cover areas from manufacturing to local community groups

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the company's 2009 Environmental Leadership Award (ELA) program has led to reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) output of approximately 370,000 tons. Chrysler Group's reduction in CO2 output is approximately equal to the annual CO2 output of four large manufacturing plants or 71,000 automobiles operating on the road. The projects submitted not only resulted in reduced CO2 emissions, but also a savings of more than $50 million annually for the company.

"The ELA celebrates the outstanding achievements of employees and project teams, and it reminds us that being green does not conflict with being a successful company," said Steve Bartoli—Head of Regulatory Affairs and Engineering Planning, Chrysler Group LLC. "In fact, a thought process that includes environmental impact is a necessary attribute at Chrysler Group." Chrysler Group's Environmental Leadership Award recognizes extraordinary innovation and dedication to reducing the environmental impact of the company's products and facilities. The program fosters pro-environmental thinking in all levels and functions of the company's operations and is a tool for sharing best practices between employees and in the supplier network.

A total of 29 projects worldwide were submitted to the ELA program for 2009, the 16th year of the program. The entries were judged on the basis of their contribution to environmental stewardship, cost savings and innovation. This year's category winners included:

Production Related Environmental Protection

Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant environmental team: This world class manufacturing plant was built on a brownfield site and incorporates environmentally conscious designs, including 47 percent recycled material, zero-waste-to-landfill and a 39 percent reduction in energy use compared with the previous engine manufacturing facility.

Product Related Environmental Protection

Dealer Dedicated Delivery System Redesign: By redesigning the company's Mopar® parts delivery system, the team improved response time, customer satisfaction and eliminated 4.6 million miles of driving, saving 722,000 gallons of fuel, 8,000 tons of emissions, 1,560 gallons of motor oil and 1,344 tractor trailer tires per year.

Extraordinary Efforts for the Environment

Saltillo (Mexico) Complex: Developing an Environmental Way of Life. The team introduced comprehensive process controls among its employees to substantially reduce energy consumption, air emissions, water use, and waste generation while increasing recycling. The team then took the lessons learned to the community by educating students at three local elementary schools. In addition, they worked with two colleges to establish a post degree academic program for environmental protection.

Dealership Environmental Initiatives

Frank C. Videon Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep®, New Town Square, Pa.: This is the first dealership to be honored with a Chrysler Group Environmental Leadership Award. The team's strong commitment to green initiatives resulted in a 20 percent reduction in energy use by recycling oil as a heating fuel in a facility that is 2.5 times larger than the previous building.

Recognizing employee ideas and actions that reduce global warming is a top priority at Chrysler Group. The company is implementing measures to reduce CO2 emissions by restricting energy consumption in all areas of the business including; development, design, production, logistics and sales.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand 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.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC