Maria Menounos Wins Jeep® Brand's First-ever Web Series Competition "Jeep Wrangler Celebrity Customs"

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

• Maria Menounos and customizer, David Tonapetyan of DCD Customs win the Wrangler Golden Grille Award in close contest
• Menounos and DCD Customs  won the competition going up against Alex Rodriguez and West Coast Customs, and The Infatuation co-founders Andrew Steinthal and Chris Stang with customizer AutoCraft NYC
• Fans and followers can view all six webisodes, including last night's finale, at www.jeep.com/celebrity-customs
• In addition to the Jeep brand-selected winner receiving the Jeep Wrangler Golden Grille Award, fans and followers can now vote online at Jeep.com/celebrity-customs for the Fan Favorite Award; Voting takes place now through September 30
• The web series was inspired by the tens of thousands of owners who have customized their own Jeep Wrangler models

In the Jeep® brand's inaugural competition web series, "Jeep Wrangler Celebrity Customs," media personality Maria Menounos beat out truly tough competition from Alex Rodriguez and The Infatuation's Andrew Steinthal and Chris Stang to win the first ever Wrangler Golden Grille Award.

All six webisodes, including last night's finale, are viewable at www.jeep.com/celebrity-customs.

In addition to the Wrangler Golden Grille Award awarded by the Jeep brand, fans and followers now have the chance to vote for their favorite Jeep Wrangler following the finale webisode. Voting takes place at Jeep.com/celebrity-customs for the Fan Favorite Award now through September 30.

"It was a close contest, coming down to the final vote," said Menounos. "Alex definitely brought his A-game with West Coast Customs, as did Andrew and Chris with AutoCraft NYC, but I knew from the beginning that David Tonapetyan and DCD Customs had what it takes to help me build my perfect Jeep Wrangler. I'm beyond excited to be the first ever Wrangler Golden Grille winner!" 

"Maria had a vision from the very beginning and DCD Customs was honored to help her realize it," said David Tonapetyan, CEO of DCD Customs. "From the retro teal color custom paint with the custom interior to match with white accents, down to the 40-inch tires and silver winch, this Jeep Wrangler is one-of-a-kind, just like Maria."

In the six-episode web series, media personality Maria Menounos, baseball legend and MLB analyst Alex Rodriguez, entrepreneur and the restaurant media platform The Infatuation, with co-founders Andrew Steinthal and Chris Stang, competed with the assistance of professional customizers utilizing  Jeep Performance Parts to craft an all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler that showcases their respective styles, passions and personalities. Former NBA standout and sports analyst Jalen Rose hosted the six-episode web series. 

Each Jeep Wrangler was judged in three categories: "Stoplight Quality," "Captivating Interiors" and "Authentically Wrangler." The judges were Kim Adams House (Head of Jeep Brand Advertising), Mark Moushegian (Jeep Brand Designer) and a special guest judge – rapper, actor and record producer Xzibit.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

Jeep brand was recognized as a 2018 "Cult Brand" Honoree at the annual The Gathering (Society of Cult Brands). Jeep is the first and only automotive brand to be recognized by the association. Eight brands, and their leaders, were honored for their outstanding courage and unconventional thinking in achieving enviable brand engagement and reaping the benefits of cult-like status.

SOURCE FCA US LLC