Chrysler Group Restructures Field Organization To Empower Local Management

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 26 The Chrysler Group has
restructured its field organization to create five Regional Business Centers,
with greater responsibility for sales and service in each region.  In doing
so, each Business Center is empowered to make decisions relative to vehicle
content, incentives and marketing in each respective region.
    "The market requirements for selling trucks in Texas is different than in
New York, so why should we try to apply a national sales and marketing
approach equally to both regions?" said Gary E. Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior
Vice President - Sales.  "We'll give the Regional Business Center management
the resources necessary to make the smart decisions to respond quickly to
local market demands.
    "The five Regional Business Centers are located in Detroit, New York,
Orlando, Dallas and Los Angeles and will be responsible for managing
significant advertising, incentive, product and distribution decisions.  The
Business Centers will be supported locally with Finance, Legal, Marketing,
Parts & Service, Fleet, Customer Relations, Training and Warranty personnel.
    "The 25 existing Chrysler Group zone offices will continue to operate, but
with a downsized staff.  Some zone employees will be re-deployed to the
Regional Business Centers or moved into the field to work more closely with
dealers.
    "The restructuring of our field organization is being done in an effort to
more directly service our dealers and their local markets," said Dilts.  "The
resulting organization will be leaner, faster and more responsive."