Chrysler LLC Announces Evolutionary Changes in Product Development

- Chrysler realigns product development process to meet global customer demand

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move that will strengthen a key corporate organization and expand its global engineering presence in international markets, Chrysler LLC today announced an evolutionary realignment of its Product Development team.

"Today's Product Development announcement will better align our efforts with the platform team and our customers' requirements," said Chrysler Executive Vice President - Product Development Frank O. Klegon. "This will also ensure consistent component-sharing practices, and drive commonality and best-practice adoption across our vehicle lines."

Klegon added that today's moves would lead to an expansion of engineering activities in targeted global centers, including China, India, Eastern Europe and Mexico, and focus on customer requirements as Chrysler expands globally.

    Product Development will now consist of the following:
   -- Jeep Product Team: Focused on the Jeep brand, its strong, iconic
      heritage and loyal customers
   -- Truck Product Team: Responsible for advancing the strong, bold Dodge
      truck brand
   -- Car and Minivan Product Team: Charged with development of Chrysler's
      fullsize cars, the current midsize lineup and minivan products
   -- Future Midsize Product Team: Responsible for development of future
      midsize vehicles for worldwide markets.
   -- Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Product Team: Carrying on Chrysler's
      successful performance brand.

Chrysler will also enhance its focus on driving commonality and the re-use of vehicle components through a strengthened Core Components and Process organization.

The following appointments take effect immediately:

Daniel C. Knott has been appointed Vice President - Jeep Product Team. Knott will lead development of all Jeep vehicles. Knott most recently served as Vice President - Product Development Core Components, Processes and International Engineering.

Scott G. Kunselman has been appointed Vice President - Truck Product Team. Kunselman will lead development of all Dodge trucks, including commercial vehicle applications. Kunselman most recently served as Vice President - Body- on-Frame Product Team.

Larry D. Lyons has been appointed Vice President - Car and Minivan Product Team. Lyons will lead the development of all current midsize segment vehicles, minivans and future fullsize vehicles. Lyons most recently served as Vice President - Front-Wheel Drive Product Team and Core Team Leader, Product Development.

Michael F. Donoughe continues as Vice President and will lead development of future product in the midsize segment, an important vehicle category worldwide. Donoughe most recently served as Vice President - Body on Frame Product Team Leader and Core Team Leader, Product Development.

Kipp D. Owen will continue to lead Street and Racing Technology (SRT) programs as Director - SRT.

Chrysler also announced the following appointments that will support the product development teams:

Mark M. Chernoby has been appointed Vice President - Core Components, Processes and International Engineering. In this role, he will oversee the development of common processes and shared components and manage Chrysler's expanding engineering presence in China, India, Eastern Europe and Mexico. He most recently served as Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering. Chernoby succeeds Dan Knott.

James B. Issner has been appointed to Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering, succeeding Mark Chernoby. In this role, he will be responsible for integrating new and emerging technologies into Chrysler's future vehicles.