Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Challenger Lead Segments in J.D. Power 2017 APEAL Study™

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Jul 26, 2017, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Chrysler Pacifica ranks highest among Minivans in its inaugural year
Dodge Challenger ranks highest in Midsize Sporty Car segment for fifth time in seven years
Dodge Durango and Charger rank second and third in segments respectively
Chrysler brand is industry's most improved brand

Two FCA US LLC vehicles led their segments in J.D. Power's 2017 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study™. For the fifth time in seven years, the Dodge Challenger ranked highest among all vehicles in the Midsize Sporty Car segment.

In addition to being the highest ranking Minivan in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS), the Chrysler Pacifica led its segment in this year's APEAL study. This back-to-back J.D. Power honor was only achieved by seven other models in the entire industry.

The Dodge Durango and Charger also performed well in the APEAL study, ranking second and third in the Midsize SUV and Large Car segments respectively.

Additionally, the Chrysler brand is the industry's most improved brand with a 41-point improvement in the brand's score from last year's study.

"We're pleased to see results like this as they reflect our commitment to quality, which is evident not only with new product launches like the all-new Chrysler Pacifica, but also in mainstay vehicles like the well-regarded Dodge Challenger, which captured its fifth APEAL honor in seven years," said Scott Garberding, Head of Quality. "My colleagues and I are focused on not only launching new vehicles with industry innovations and segment firsts, but also consistently improving vehicles in our existing product portfolio."

The APEAL Study, now in its 22^nd year, measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on customer evaluations of 77 vehicle attributes of new 2017 model year vehicles. Customers are surveyed after 90 days of ownership at the same time as J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study (IQS). According to J.D. Power, the most appealing vehicles have greater owner loyalty, command higher transaction prices and spend less time on dealer lots before purchase.

About the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of the year.

The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its innovative, advanced hybrid powertrain. It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range.

About the 2017 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is the most powerful muscle car ever. The 2017 Dodge Challenger SXT, with its standard powerful and fuel-efficient Pentastar V-6 engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission, delivers 305 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. The Dodge Challenger R/T with the high-torque 5.7-liter HEMI® paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual transmission delivers up to 375 horsepower. The 392 HEMI delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque: the most horsepower and torque available for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) less than $40,000.

New for 2017, Dodge brings back the Challenger T/A to the naturally aspirated Dodge 5.7-liter and 392 HEMI lineup. Features include a new active exhaust system, wider wheels, performance tires, cold-air induction components, including new SRT Hellcat-inspired driver and passenger side "Air Catcher" headlamps featuring unique LED-illuminated T/A logos. Available hood pins are designed to highlight the Dodge brand's cultivation of its storied performance history. The Dodge Challenger T/A 392 adds six-piston Brembo front brakes. The SRT 392 features adaptive damping suspension and SRT Drive Modes. The Challenger SRT Hellcat with its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine is the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever.

About the 2017 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is the world's only four-door muscle car. Its rear-wheel-drive architecture enables a model lineup highlighted by extensive performance-driven powertrains with the latest technology under the hood and behind the wheel – further building on the Dodge brand's promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class power, efficiency, technology, authentic materials and standout styling. New for 2017, Dodge builds on its heritage, introducing new Charger Daytona models designed to deliver more performance and heritage-inspired styling to the naturally aspirated Dodge 5.7-liter and 392 HEMI lineup.

The innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on every Dodge Charger model. New for 2017, Active Exhaust is now standard on all HEMI V-8 models. The Charger also offers a full range of fuel-efficient and powerful engine options. The award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine delivers up to 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on SE and SXT models. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 on the R/T and Daytona delivers 370 horsepower. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 punches out a best-in-class, naturally aspirated 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque in the R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392 and SRT 392 models. For ultimate performance, the 6.2-liter supercharged Charger SRT Hellcat delivers 707 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft. of torque, a top speed of 204 miles per hour (mph), National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)-certified, quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires and 0-60 mph in the high 3-second range, making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world.

About the 2017 Dodge Durango
The 2017 Dodge Durango's combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing (7,400 lbs. with the HEMI® V-8) and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling make it the three-row Dodge Charger of the SUV segment. The Durango features Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology, an emission-lowering and fuel-saving feature that is standard on models powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.

2017 Dodge Durango vehicles are available with an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio and feature Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free, Do Not Disturb and SiriusXM Tune Start, a feature that starts songs from the beginning when switching between pre-set satellite radio channels. Additionally, Durango offers consumers more than 60 available safety and security features, including standard all-speed traction control and electronic stability control (ESC), which improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on- and off-road.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

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