2014 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Challenger Lead their Segments in Initial Quality

AUBURN HILLS, MI--June 18, 2014: Chrysler Town & Country is highest-ranking minivan for initial quality for the third time in four years Dodge Challenger leads Midsize Sporty Car segment for second time in four years Ram 1500, Dodge Grand Caravan rank among top three for initial quality in their segments

Chrysler Group's ultimate family vehicle, Chrysler Town & Country, ranks highest among minivans for the third time in four years in the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS). Surveyed owners also place the Dodge Challenger at the top of the Midsize Sporty Car segment for initial quality.

IQS is based on responses from more than 86,000 owners of new 2014 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. The study asks customers to identify issues with their vehicles' design, as well as defects.

"This is the third time in four years that Chrysler Town & Country leads the Minivan segment in this quality survey," said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. "It reflects the commitment of employees who develop, build and test these vehicles and their recognition that every employee has a role in continually improving the quality of our products."

The Chrysler Town & Country was significantly updated for the 2011 model year and previously achieved the highest IQS ranking among minivans in 2011 and 2013.

Challenger was updated for 2011 model year and also led its segment for initial quality that year.

"While the Dodge Challenger's legendary performance and style initially attracts shoppers to the car, its quality has a direct impact on loyalty and owners' willingness to recommend Dodge to their friends and family," Betts added. "Challenger buyers happen to be some of our most passionate and enthusiastic owners so this is a significant benefit to the brand."

The 2014 Ram 1500 and Dodge Grand Caravan also performed well in the IQS study, ranking among the top three vehicles in the Large Light Duty Pickup and Minivan segments.

The IQS study, now in its 28th year, is based on a 233-question survey conducted between February and May 2014.

Chrysler Town & Country The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is celebrating its 30th anniversary as one of the leading innovators in the segment it created back in late 1983. The world-class interior of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials that are soft to the touch, and offers tech-savvy entertainment features and smart storage and seating options including Stow 'n GoŽ seating with one-touch fold-down function, class-exclusive dual Blu-ray DVD entertainment system, navigation and SIRIUSXM satellite radio with Travel Link making the Chrysler Town & Country the ultimate family vehicle. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a fuel economizer mode delivering up to 25 miles per gallon highway.

Dodge Challenger With record sales levels since the reintroduction of the Challenger in 2008, the Dodge brand's performance icon continues to deliver exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want – a powerful and efficient engine lineup, iconic muscle-car design with numerous personalization packages. The 2014 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and a track-tuned suspension to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower and an impressive 25 mpg highway, the Dodge Challenger is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever. And now with the return of "Scat Package" performance stage kits, plus the enthusiast-demanded Shaker performance hood with its HEMIŽ V-8 engine-mounted, fully floating scoop and exposed high-flow element for cold-air induction – the new 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker delivers up to 375 horsepower, performance and even more heritage-inspired style for the most hardcore Dodge enthusiasts.