Chrysler Group and its Dealers Work Together to Help Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge Dealers Affected by Hurricane Katrina

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 15 -- The Chrysler Group is responding to the needs and concerns of its dealers in the Gulf Coast region with a relief effort to help them restore their operations. Hurricane Katrina left many in the region without basic necessities and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate the city of New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Several Chrysler Group dealerships suffered heavy damage and some were totally destroyed.

Today Chrysler Group announced a multi-million dollar initiative as part of a focused effort to help its dealers in the region restore their operations. This unprecedented program provides financial assistance, equipment, technology, inventory and resources to affected dealers and assistance that addresses the immediate needs of dealership employees.

"I have visited with several of our Gulf Coast Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers and saw first hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina," said Joe Eberhardt, Chrysler Group Executive Vice President - Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "They were able to identify for us the immediate needs for their employees and their business, and we are moving quickly to address them."

In response to dealer requests, the company dispatched a team of senior managers to Louisiana and Mississippi to work directly with the affected dealers to ensure the necessary resources are available to restore operations as quickly as possible. In addition, a process was established allowing Chrysler Group dealers nationwide to make contributions to further the rebuilding efforts.

"During the early stages of the recovery effort, our employees and dealers answered the call for donations to help the citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We also have a responsibility to take care of our dealers and their employees in the region, and this effort will help the long process of rebuilding lives and businesses after Hurricane Katrina."

The assistance provided to affected dealers is in addition to the $4.4 million contributed so far by The DaimlerChrysler Fund, Chrysler Group employees, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers, DaimlerChrysler Services, Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz USA for general relief efforts. Chrysler Group donated 100 Dodge trucks valued at $3 million and loaded with tools and supplies to local government and relief agencies of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The two-mile-long convoy of trucks and supplies arrived Wednesday in Jackson, Miss.; Montgomery, Ala.; and Baton Rouge, La. and will further assist in the recovery and cleanup efforts in the Gulf Coast Region.

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