Chrysler Group's Mopar® Division to Expand Accessories Portfolio in 2011

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vehicle buyers are spending more and more to personalize and accessorize their rides. Consumer spending for Mopar® accessories on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram vehicles nearly doubled in 2010.

"More of our customers are driving out of our dealerships with Mopar accessories on their vehicle," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With 16 new vehicles including our new Fiat 500, Mopar will add more than 1,500 accessories to our portfolio this year."

Mopar currently offers more than 8,000 proven, quality-tested accessories. Following is a list of Mopar's top-10 selling accessories in 2010:

1. Wheel Lock Kit: Wheel locks are available for most models and have an exclusive key code for maximum protection. Available in one- and two-piece styles, kits include four or five chrome-plated locking nuts, and one exclusive Mopar key. The kit protects against wheel and tire theft without affecting wheel balance. (MSRP ranges from $44 – $46, depending on vehicle and part application)

2. Roadside Safety Kit: Safety kit includes flashlight, fleece blanket, six-gauge jumper cables, safety triangle, screwdrivers, pliers, two bungee cords and gloves. (MSRP: $103.00, Part No. 82211983)

3. Mopar Portable Navigation System: This Garmin nuvi® 1490T premium system packs a ton of features into a slim design with a 5-inch screen. The system includes lane-assist with junction view, pre-loaded maps, pedestrian navigation options, traffic alerts, ecoRoute™ that calculate a fuel-efficient route, integrated hands-free Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, integrated FM traffic receiver, and free lifetime traffic updates. (MSRP: $309.00, Part No. 82212211)

4. Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): Mopar's industry-first Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS) works 24/7 with nationwide coverage to keep track of your vehicle. This GPS-enabled real-time tracking system includes a $1,000 Theft Protection Warranty and is transferable. Optional upgrade plans provide Emergency Service Dispatch and an OnCall™ on-board panic button. Features such as setting speed and distance parameters with text alerts, unlimited online tracking, and full concierge service are also offered. (MSRP: $459, Part No. 82212457)

5. Premium Carpet Floor Mats: Thick, durable and color- matched for a strong, integrated appearance. Front mats feature a rubber-nibbed backing to keep them firmly in place and are custom-contoured for an exact fit. (MSRP ranges from $36 – $118, depending on vehicle and part application)

6. Slush Mats: Custom-fit mats feature deep grooves that help prevent water, snow, and mud from ruining vehicle's carpet. Mats are available for front and rear compartments depending on vehicle model. (MSRP ranges from $41 – $162, depending on vehicle and part application)

7. Molded Splash Guards: Mopar splash guards offer long-lasting durability. They are custom-contoured for a stylish flare and deflect gravel, salt and other road debris away from the vehicle. Sold in pairs and feature a vehicle or brand logo based on vehicle or part application. (MSRP ranges from $45 - $55, depending on vehicle and part application)

8. Mopar Bedliners: Skid Resistor bedliner's ribbed construction helps keep cargo from shifting and promotes drainage from bed. Mopar liners are molded of a high-density polyethylene blend for added durability. Tailgate cover also included. Also available for Ram 1500 RamBox. (MSRP: $336, part numbers vary depending on vehicle and application)

9. Chromed Tubular Side Steps: Mopar's heavy-duty premium steps are built to last and are available in chrome or black depending on vehicle. Side steps feature slip-resistant step pads for easy vehicle entry and exit. (MSRP ranges from $327 - $717, depending on vehicle and part application)

10. Hitch Receivers and Towing Accessories: In addition to hitch receivers for a range of vehicles, Mopar also offers hitch balls, receiver plugs, and ball-mount adaptors. (MSRP varies depending on vehicle and part application)

Mopar-First Features

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers

• Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers

• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format

• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters

• 2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car

• WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot

• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

About the Mopar Brand

Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand.

Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered and tested with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com.

More than 70 Years of Mopar

When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC