AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Distinguished list includes employers engaged in developing, recruiting and hiring talented students pursuing technical careers at the nation's minority-serving institutions
• Ninth annual survey of education leaders was conducted by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine
• "America's future in the global marketplace depends on the development of diverse technical talent"

The deans of Abet-accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in conjunction with the corporate-academic alliance members of Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) have selected Chrysler Group LLC as a Top Supporter of HBCU and other minority-serving institutions. Chrysler joins a distinguished list of corporate and governmental leaders engaged in supporting the development and recruitment of talent students pursuing technical careers at the nation's minority-serving institutions.

This ninth annual survey of education leaders was conducted by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine. In completing the annual survey, the deans considered a corporate or governmental candidate's support for infrastructure modernization and enhancement, research, participation on advisory councils, faculty development opportunities, scholarships, student projects, co-ops and career opportunities.

"America's future in the global marketplace  -- indeed, Chrysler's viability -- depends on the development of diverse technical talent. Chrysler Group is proud to be among those employers who are considered leaders in developing and recruiting diverse technical talent at the nation's minority-serving institutions," said Lisa J. Wicker, Director - Office of Talent Acquisition, Global Diversity and Compliance, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our relationships with these institutions helps Chrysler Group to secure the diverse technical talent we need to compete and to sustain our success."

U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine will salute Chrysler Group and other corporate and governmental Top Supporters in the Dean's Edition of the magazine to be published in May.  Top Supporters will also be acknowledged at an upcoming recognition dinner to be held in Washington, D.C. on May 3.

The deans invited to participate in the survey represented institutions such as: Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University A&M, Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University and Virginia State University.

About Chrysler Group's Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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 HispanicBusiness 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."

In March 2011, the editors of DiversityInc magazine named Chrysler Group to the magazine's 2011 list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders. This was the fifth year since the list was established in 2001 that Chrysler has been included.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat SpA., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar 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, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500. 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.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC