Chrysler Group LLC Becomes First Automaker to Set Corporate Policy on Texting While Driving

  • Chrysler Group takes a stance on texting and driving as it relates to company-owned vehicles and hand-held communication devices
  • The company pioneered automotive hands-free cell phone systems and supports the use of hands-free cell phone operation
  • Chrysler Group will offer text-to-voice/message reader technology in 2011 Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram vehicles
December 14, 2009 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Chrysler Group LLC today became the first automaker to establish a corporate policy surrounding company-owned vehicles and communication devices. The company now prohibits texting while driving in order to promote safer driving behaviors and serve as an industry example. The new policy applies to texting while driving company-owned vehicles and texting with company-provided communication devices while driving personal vehicles.

“The Chrysler Group values the safety and well-being of employees, customers and communities,” said Nancy Rae, Executive Vice President - Human Resources, Chrysler Group LLC. “As an automaker, we expect higher driving standards from our work force and business partners as we design products and technology that bring greater levels of safety to our customers and their families.”

The company’s new “texting while driving” policy will take effect immediately.

“A driver's primary responsibility is to be in control of their vehicle; texting while driving clearly interferes with that responsibility,” said Steve Bartoli, Head of Regulatory Affairs. “Chrysler Group LLC supports initiatives to ban this activity. Additionally, we stand with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers supporting a ban on hand-held cell phone operation while driving.”

The company earned a leadership role as the first North American automaker to offer the hands-free, voice-activated uconnect® system with Bluetooth technology. The feature, available on most Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram vehicles, provides voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. Uconnect can manage onboard phone-book entries, select radio stations, access the navigation system and retrieve voice mail. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.

Chrysler Group continues to pioneer the integration of personal electronics in the automobile. Recently, the Chrysler Group announced it will offer text-to-voice/message reader technology in select 2011 model year Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing the Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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