AutoPacific Survey Says Dodge Nitro and Jeep_® Wrangler Owners Recommend Their Vehicles

Two Chrysler LLC vehicles are on AutoPacific’s survey of the most highly recommended vehicles. According to the survey released today, owners of the Dodge Nitro and the Jeep_® Wrangler enjoyed their vehicles enough that they would recommend them to a friend or relative.

“We are very pleased that the Dodge Nitro and the Jeep Wrangler have won high praise from their owners,” said Doug Betts, Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Chrysler LLC. “As this study shows, owners who have confidence in their vehicles and are pleased with their ownership experience will share that message with those around them. This is further evidence that the huge improvements in quality which we have made in the last year have not gone unnoticed by our customers."

The Dodge Nitro was the top recommended vehicle in the Mid-Size Sport Utility segment. Since its introduction in 2007, the Dodge Nitro has ignited the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with its bold, aggressive styling and performance to match. Nitro offers all the mid-size SUV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility.

The iconic Jeep Wrangler earned top honors in the Compact SUV/Off-Road Vehicle category. The two-door Wrangler is the brand icon, remaining true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun and freedom machine even after more than 65 years.

AutoPacific, an automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm which has provided automotive analysis to carmakers since 1986, based its findings on a just-completed comprehensive survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars or light trucks in the period from September to December 2008.

AutoPacific’s research objectively measures owner recommendations with newly purchased or leased passenger cars or light trucks by ranking new owners’ responses to the question, “Would you recommend your new vehicle to a friend or relative?” Scores are based on the responses, ranging from “Yes, definitely,” “Yes, with reservations,” or “No.”

About the Dodge Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Dodge brand continues to offer a full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles and a sales-leading, fifth-generation minivan in 2009. Dodge will soon add to its award-winning Ram lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and 3500 Chassis Cab.

Dodge introduced several new vehicles last year, including the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in minivan value with more than 40 new or improved features from the previous generation, including unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is also the first minivan in the segment to feature the all-new Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance safety systems.

Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.

About the Jeep Brand
Staying true to its strong values and character, the Jeep® brand is purpose-built for adventurous lifestyles. With 68 years of legendary 4x4 capability, the Jeep brand continues to fulfill promises of adventure, liberation and independence for those who truly embrace life, whether traveling on- or off-road. The ruggedness and responsiveness of Jeep vehicles provide owners with a sense of security to handle any situation with confidence.

For 2009, the brand’s legendary Go Anywhere, Do Anything™ heritage is maintained with the addition of more interior refinement, comfort and technology in the widest range of sport-utility vehicles (SUV) under one brand. The Jeep product line includes the brand icon, the Jeep Wrangler; the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; the popular mid-size Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America); the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee; the seven-passenger Jeep Commander; and the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass with all-new redesigned interiors and fuel economy of 28 mpg.