Chrysler Group’s Sergio Marchionne Moves Forward with Commitment to Education and Community Delivering Speech at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business

January 16, 2012 , Ann Arbor, Mich. -  As the 2012 Campaign Chair for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group LLC, recognizes the need to transform the region through several means including education, one of the United Way’s key focus areas. In keeping with that theme, Marchionne addressed nearly 500 business students on Thursday evening at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, discussing the characteristics of a leader, what can be accomplished as people remove barriers and the moral responsibility that touches those who aspire to be leaders.

“Closing our eyes, or thinking that finding a solution is someone else's role, makes us part of the problem,” Marchionne said. “The essence of leadership is this: personally assuming the moral duty to do something, to take part in the process of building the future.”

Marchionne applauded efforts by students at Michigan’s Ross School, supporting entrepreneurial development in Detroit through their own Revitalization & Business Initiative.

“Detroit is a city that desperately needs educated and energetic young people to transform itself from a suffering urban area into a vibrant center. You are young and have the future in your hands,” Marchionne added.

Chrysler Group is currently engaged with the Ross School in its Master of Supply Chain Management Program and the Tauber Institute for Global Operations with intentions to expand its relationship with the university.

Leading by example, Chrysler Group continues to affirm its dedication to the community. In addition to recently announcing Marchionne’s leadership position with the United Way, Chrysler Group confirmed plans earlier this month to add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. It also reaffirmed that it will add 150 jobs by reopening its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.