SHAWNEE MISSION, Kan., Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Viper Club of America, the Dodge/SRT Viper ownership group that has represented over 27,000 members and countless other Viper owners from around the world, is taking Viper marketing to a whole new level. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130115/DC42715LOGO)

Originally founded as a joint marketing effort between Chrysler and Viper owners back in 1995, the club has represented owners from as far away as Japan and New Zealand. Today the club has grown to become one of the strongest voices for the Viper product line. The club recently helped bring together over 100 people to experience the new SRT Viper at Willow Springs International Raceway with none other than Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – SRT Brand and Motorsports.

"For over 17 years the club has worked hand-in-hand with Chrysler to strengthen the bond between the consumer and the manufacturer," said Lee Stubberfield, National President, Viper Club of America.  "With this new Viper now heading down the production line we feel it is imperative to make both current and potential owners aware of just how amazing the new car really is." 

This marketing juggernaut does not go unnoticed by Chrysler.  In late 1999 they began enrolling new owners in the Viper Club of America as part of their new Viper purchase in the United States.  So in addition to air conditioning and floor mats that come with the new car as standard features, so too does their first year membership in the Viper Club.  With SRT focusing on a select number of dealerships in 2013, each was given training on the new Viper and the value that the Viper Club of America brings to the table.

The Viper Club of America is proud to support not just the Viper, but the entire Chrysler product line.  Owning the "halo" product of Chrysler Group LLC, Viper owners often own large business fleets and refer numerous other vehicle buyers to the various Chrysler brands.  One such club member has purchased over 16,000 Chrysler vehicles for his various companies since acquiring his first Viper, which was also his first Chrysler product.

In addition to the club's discussion forums which average some eight million hits a month, the VCA also publishes the award-winning VIPER magazine.  Originally started as little more than a newsletter, today the magazine offers a beautiful glossy book-bound print that is collected by Viper fans from around the globe.  It is published bi-monthly and is also available by subscription.

About Viper Club of America

The Viper Club of America (VCA) is a not-for-profit ownership club dedicated to the Dodge and SRT Viper and first formed in 1995 between Dodge and Viper owners as a social club and joint marketing effort. www.viperclub.org

About VIPER Magazine

VIPER magazine is published bi-monthly by the Viper Club of America.  It contains news from the various regional clubs as well as features on other Chrysler products, SRT team members, track events, and much more.  Subscriptions and back issues are available for shipment worldwide. www.vipermagazine.com

About SRT

The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: awe-inspiring powertrains; outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors to remain true to its performance roots.

The SRT lineup in the 2013 model year features five vehicles that are world-class performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. The Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Dodge Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 are joined by the SRT flagship Viper and Viper GTS models, which are making their highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market. www.drivesrt.com

SOURCE Viper Club of America