Chrysler Group LLC Salutes Scott Wood, Owner of Scott Wood Chrysler, Jeep(R) Dodge and TIME Magazine's 2010 'Dealer of the Year'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC proudly salutes Scott Wood, owner of Scott Wood Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge in Batesville, Arkansas, for being chosen the 2010 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year.

"Chrysler Group is proud to have outstanding citizens like Scott Wood as our dealer partners," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. "Mr. Wood has been involved in his community and lending not just money, but his time and effort to help make the Batesville area the best it can be for more than 30 years. People like Scott Wood are the backbone of communities across the United States and we are proud to have him representing our company," Diaz added.

The TIME Magazine "Dealer of the Year" award is one of the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted awards for new-car dealers. Recipients are among the nation's most successful auto dealers, but they must also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to effective community service.

Mr. Wood has been in the dealership business his whole life. He is a third-generation dealer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Stanley Wood, and his father, W. Stanley Wood. Scott graduated from Batesville (AR) High School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1972.

"We applaud Scott's commitment to his customers and his community," Diaz added. "Scott has a more than 30-year track record of volunteering to be part of the solution – whether it was a donation, fundraising, his time or vehicle donations, Scott has always been there for the residents of Batesville."

Wood's dedication to his community touches nearly every aspect of life. The list of groups he supports is extensive and includes the Batesville Kiwanis Club, the Boy Scouts, Lyon College (then Arkansas College), East Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Batesville Community Theatre, Batesville Area Arts Council, Friends of the Pioneers (Batesville School District Athletics), White River Health Systems and the First Baptist Church where he has been active as a mentor, teacher and fundraiser.

Wood considers his work to improve the area's public schools his most meaningful civic achievement. A member of the Batesville School Board since 2001, Wood and his fellow members have facilitated changes that make education more effective as evidenced through improving test scores. In addition to the district receiving national recognition, students want to attend school because they are having fun.

"Chrysler Group applauds Scott Wood and thanks him for his outstanding service to his community," Diaz concluded.

About Chrysler Group LLC

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