Chrysler Group Executives Earn Diversity Awards

Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Tom LaSorda named to Black Engineer Alumni Association

Vice President Byron Kearney receives Black Engineer of the Year "Dean's Award"

Four other Chrysler Group employees receive additional honors

Baltimore, MD - Feb 21, 2006: Two Chrysler Group executives were given special honors at the annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards ceremonies, held Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Tom LaSorda, President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Group, was inducted into the Black Engineer of the Year Alumni Association, while Byron Kearney, Vice President – Product Development, Core Components and Process, Chrysler Group, was presented with the 2006 Dean's Award.

Since its inception, LaSorda is one of only three industry representatives to be inducted into the Black Engineer's Alumni Association. The prestigious honor is granted to individuals who exhibit significant contributions to the Black Engineer of the Year organization.

Kearney became the ninth Chrysler Group designer or engineer since 1999 to be honored at this annual event. Kearney, who has been with the Chrysler Group since 2000, helped develop the Company's Chief Engineering system and led two vehicle teams in the design, production and marketing of the company's mid-size vehicles. After receiving a degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T, he began his career at General Motors and by 1995 had risen to Chief Engineer.

"The Chrysler Group is proud of the Byron's achievements, contributions and outstanding leadership," said LaSorda. "The Black Engineer of the Year awards are important, in that they affirm the Company's commitment to diversity. At the Chrysler Group, diversity means cultivating and respecting a broad mix of cultures, values and the people who help us build great products."

Earlier this week, several other Chrysler Group employees received honors for their contributions in the engineering field, including Ayanna Roberts, Program Analyst; Rashida Thomas, Feature Planner; Christopher Vinegar, Analyst; and Archie Nimmer III, Smart Coordinator.

The "Black Engineer of the Year" Award Conference is the nation's largest career and professional development conference for African-American executives, professionals and college and high school students. More than 10,000 African-American professionals participate in the three-day event, which includes a career fair, workshops and a black-tie awards ceremony.