Chrysler Group Named "Corporation of the Year" at 17th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Company is honored for demonstrating a commitment to developing women leaders in the automotive industry
• Recognition expands Chrysler Group's industry-leading record of fostering diversity and an inclusive work culture
• The all-new 2013 Ram 1500 is named "Urban Truck of the Year"

An independent panel of journalists representing multicultural and mainstream media chose Chrysler Group LLC as "Corporation of the Year" for its leadership in developing women leaders in the automotive industry. In addition, the panel announced its choice of the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 as "Urban Truck of the Year." The awards were announced as part of the 17th Annual Urban Wheel Awards show held on Sunday, January 13, in Detroit, Mich.

The Annual Urban Wheel Awards is the nation's only award show bringing together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives and the multicultural community to celebrate diversity in the automotive industry. The awards program is also recognized as the official multicultural event of the North American International Auto Show by the auto show's Executive Committee. Nearly 2,000 people attended this year's awards show.

"It is an honor to accept this recognition of our accomplishments as a leader in developing the careers of women in the automotive industry," said Georgette Borrego Dulworth, Director – Talent Acquisition and Diversity, Chrysler Group LLC, who accepted the award for the Company. "Chrysler Group aspires to be considered a diversity leader and an employer of choice not just among automotive companies, but among all companies. This important recognition will inspire us to continue our passionate pursuit of diversity and nurturing a high-powered work culture that is inclusive of all. To Chrysler Group, developing a diverse workforce is a fundamental part of our formula for success and a strategic imperative in today's multicultural marketplace."

"On behalf of the Urban Wheel Awards panel of judges, the Emerging Diversity Education Fund, and Decisive Media, we are delighted to recognize Chrysler Group for its leadership in developing women business leaders in the automotive industry," said Randi Payton, President of Decisive Media. "Chrysler Group has maintained an impressive record of leading the industry through its diversity initiatives and it continues to expand on that rich history. We salute Chrysler Group, its leaders and employees on this great honor."

In addition to the "Corporation of the Year" award, Chrysler Group's 2013 Ram 1500 was named "Urban Truck of the Year" by the panel of judges.

"Last October, the 2013 Ram 1500 won the "Truck of Texas" award, the highest honor bestowed by the Texas Auto Writers Association.  In December, the all-new Ram 1500 was named Motor Trend Truck of the Year," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC and President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler de Mexico, as he accepted the award. "And, today, this extraordinary truck makes yet another powerful statement which reaffirms the passion and spirit of our great new company and the dedicated people within the Ram Truck Brand who have built the best truck on the road today."

About Chrysler Group's Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
In 2012, the Detroit Free Press named Chrysler Group as one of the best places to work in the state of Michigan. Chrysler Group has been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine 13 times, and has been recognized six times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion. Chrysler Group also has been named to HispanicBusiness magazine's annual Diversity Elite 60 list for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers. In 2012, the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named Chrysler Group Corporation of the Year for its achievements in bringing more minority-owned businesses into its supply chain.

Also in 2012, the editors of LatinaStyle magazine selected Chrysler Group for inclusion on magazine's 2012 list of the 50 best companies for Hispanic women to work in the U.S., which is considered the most important recognition of efforts by corporate America to promote diversity and provide career advancement opportunities for Hispanic women.

In 2011 and 2012, the editors of DiversityInc magazine named Chrysler Group to the magazine's list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders.

Over the years, a long line of Chrysler Group employees have received important professional recognition from various diversity organizations, including Black Engineer of the Year, Women of Color, HENAAC Great Minds in STEM and others, reflecting the Company's strong commitment to attracting and developing a diverse, talented workforce.

About the Urban Wheel Awards
The Urban Wheel Awards promote awareness of inclusiveness and honors companies and individuals who have made progress toward embracing this reality. Proceeds from the event support the Emerging Diversity Education Fund, which provides internships, scholarship and mentoring to students pursuing careers in the auto industry, communications, and Green jobs. For more information, visit www.urbanwheelawards.com.

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.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC