Four Chrysler Group LLC Vehicles Named as Top Ten Cars of 2014 by Hispanic Motor Press Awards Panel

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• 2014 Jeep_® Cherokee, 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 2014 Ram ProMaster and 2014 Fiat 500e all selected by Hispanic Motor Press Awards panel as Top Ten Cars of 2014 for Hispanic families

The 2014 Jeep_® Cherokee, 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 2014 Ram ProMaster and 2014 Fiat 500e today were named as Top Ten Cars of 2014 for Hispanic families by the jurors of the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. 

The four Chrysler Group LLC vehicles earned top spots in the following categories:

• 2014 Jeep Cherokee: SUV
• 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: Diesel
• 2014 Ram ProMaster: Commercial Vehicle
• 2014 Fiat 500e: Electric Vehicle 

"On behalf of the judges, we congratulate the Chrysler Group on its unprecedented multiple award winnings," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, Hispanic Motor Press Awards jury director. "This company keeps moving forward and introducing specialty vehicles that offer very good overall value." 

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards are chosen by a 10-person panel of judges consisting of highly-respected Hispanic-market journalists, many with automotive backgrounds, as well as Hispanic leaders in the automotive industry.  

Winners in the 10 vehicle categories are selected based on design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction and value. Eligible vehicles must be all-new models. 

2014 Jeep Cherokee

There is a new king of the hill in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment: the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The renowned Cherokee name returns to the Jeep vehicle lineup for the 2014 model year. The result - the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee completely redefines the mid-size SUV segment, delivering legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model), superior on-road ride and handling, a modern, revolutionary design, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features. The Jeep Cherokee is set to delight consumers both on the road and on the trail. 

Powered by two new engines, three innovative new 4x4 systems that feature the first use of a fully-automated disconnecting rear axle, the Jeep Cherokee revolutionizes the mid-size SUV segment. The Cherokee delivers leading-edge technology customers will value, world-class craftsmanship and clever features like the available 8.4-inch touch screen media center, the seven-inch full color instrument cluster display, inventive storage solutions and cargo flexibility not found elsewhere in the segment with the Jeep Cargo Management system. 

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States: Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and Cherokee Trailhawk, and has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $22,995 (excluding $995 destination). 

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The 2014 Ram 1500 offers a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – greater than 25 mile per gallon (mpg) – unsurpassed torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability. 

Aptly branded EcoDiesel, the new 3.0-liter powerplant is a turbocharged 60-degree, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 that produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine is more efficient than all V-6 gasoline engines in the half-ton category. Its abundant torque is an enabler for 9,200 pounds of towing capacity—significant for being a small V-6 engine. 

The 2014 Ram 1500 delivers a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including: eight-speed automatic transmission, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics with grille shutters and air suspension. 

Building on the award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further stretch its fuel economy title lead and continue to raise the innovation bar in one of the automotive industry's most competitive and customer-loyal segments. 

2014 Ram ProMaster

The new 2014 Ram ProMaster is Ram Commercial's latest addition to its popular commercial vehicle lineup. ProMaster takes its place in the expanding, purpose-built, full-size van segment with a number of segment-leading features focused on the commercial customer. Coming from a strong background of commercial vehicles produced by Fiat Professional, the ProMaster is based on the Fiat Ducato, which has been in production for more than 30 years. Best-in-class fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, usability, and, of course, total cost of ownership all combine to deliver a proven solution for businesses and fleets. 

Fiat 500e

With its iconic style, world-class dynamics and environmentally responsible zero-emissions design, the 2014 Fiat 500e builds on the Cinquecento legacy, while offering customers a no-compromise electric vehicle (EV) that embodies the FIAT brand's simple, purposeful and fun-to-drive values. The Fiat 500e electrifies the Cinquecento lineup with even more innovation and style, an EPA tested 87 miles driving range and a 116 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) highway rating of pure battery-electric power.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC