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BREAKING NEWS FROM CHRYSLER: Project Genesis Initiative

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National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention Kicks Off This Weekend in the City By The Bay

• Eight city “New Day” road show offers open dialogue with dealer partners

• Customer-focus remains number one priority at Chrysler

• Executives look to National Automotive Dealer Association Conference (NADA) as opportunity to continue exchange with dealers

SAN FRANCISCO - February 8, 2008 (12AM PST): Today Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press and his executive team completed an eight city “New Day” road show, reaching approximately 3,000 of its dealer partners to discuss the company’s 2008 strategy and express their commitment to Product, Dealers and Customers; Driving Dealer Profitability; and Building Franchise Value.

During the meetings the company introduced a new corporate initiative, Project Genesis, intended to align the needs and wants of the customer with its product portfolio and the dealer network. With the overall goal of taking care of the customer, Chrysler LLC plans to align Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge product offerings in one facility. The company did not provide a timeline for the initiative.

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Chrysler Vice Chairman & President Jim Press
“We started a dialogue with our National Dealer Council and continued the process by listening carefully to what our dealer partners had to say,” Jim Press said. “Here at the National Automotive Dealer Association Conference (NADA) we have the opportunity to hear from more of our dealers. The results of all of this exchange will be factored in to our long range plan. At this point, we have not made any final decisions regarding our dealer optimization or future product plans, nor has the company set any firm timelines. Our dealers are and will continue to be an integral part of this process moving forward.”

As Project Genesis evolves, the company will work with its dealers on a menu of options to create customer-driven alternatives that align the dealer network with the product portfolio.

“In the end, we will have a more viable dealer body focused on the customer,” said Press. “When that happens, the customer, dealer and company wins. That builds commitment, drives profitability and builds franchise value.”