Chrysler Group LLC Workforce Celebrates Third Anniversary with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Group LLC partnered with one of Detroit's cultural icons, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), to offer four special DSO concerts to hourly and salaried employees on July 6, 7 and 8 at Max M. Fisher Orchestra Hall. The "Symphony of the Brands"-themed concerts served as a celebration of the Company's third anniversary and commitment to the Detroit community and its treasures.

"It is vital that we support organizations like the DSO, that share the same philosophy we do — an unwavering commitment to the city of Detroit," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group LLC. "While it is our duty to focus on the revival of this city, it is equally crucial to cherish the treasures the city already offers."

More than 8,000 Chrysler employees and their guests attended the concerts, which also included "Taste of Detroit"-themed food and vehicle displays from each Chrysler Group brand. The symphony performed music ranging from classical to rock and country. Volunteers from United Way for Southeastern Michigan were also present to help attendees learn how to take a pledge to end childhood hunger.

Chrysler Group also used the concerts as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of its hourly workforce in the areas of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and support of the United Way. Employees who helped achieve high WCM audit scores at their facilities or who participated in United Way volunteer efforts were given box seats and were recognized by the event's emcee, WJR-AM personality Paul W. Smith.

"We have tremendous demand for our products, and the workforce has risen to the challenge. We have more than 75 percent of our assembly and component plants working some part of the typical summer shutdown," said General Holiefield, UAW Vice President. "These concerts were an opportunity to say thank you to the employees for the role they have played in the company's turnaround, celebrate the company's third anniversary and truly showcase what Detroit has to offer."

Chrysler Group is committed to contributing to the revitalization of the City of Detroit. On Jan. 5, 2012, the Company announced that it will be adding a third crew of about 1,100 new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit and expanding the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup to include a diesel version for North America. The Company also announced its plans to reactivate its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, also located in the Motor City, for production of the SRT Viper. The opening of the Conner Avenue plant will create 150 new jobs. Moreover, the Company recently announced plans to rename the former Dime Building as the Chrysler House and to move 70 employees into the historic building.

Marchionne is currently serving a term as the United Way Campaign Chair for Southeastern Michigan's (UWSEM) 2012 campaign. As Campaign Chair, Marchionne will be the face and voice of the UWSEM fundraising and education efforts and will work to promote the growth and impact of the campaign among businesses and individuals.

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, Mopar, SRT and Fiat 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 Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 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.

About The Detroit Symphony Orchestra:
The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the fourth-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world's foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called "America's Music Director" by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO during the 2008-09 season. The DSO offers a performance schedule that includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People's, Neighborhood concerts and festivals. The DSO makes its home in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America's most acoustically perfect concert halls, and actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit www.dso.org. Harnessing the power of digital media, on May 5, 2011, the DSO launched its Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series, the first of its kind among American orchestras. On October 9, 2011, Live from Orchestra Hall made its mobile debut via the DSO to Go mobile app, making the DSO the first orchestra in the world to stream an entire season live to web and mobile platforms.  

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC