-- New executive appointments in Product Design Office continue internal career development AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group announced the appointment of Brandon Faurote and Joseph Dehner to Vice President positions within the Product Design Office, replacing David McKinnon and Thomas Tremont, both of whom have announced their intentions to retire. Faurote is appointed Vice President - Advance Exterior and Interior Design, effective July 1, 2007. In this position, Faurote is responsible for the concept, design and refinement of Chrysler Group Premium, Small and Family Vehicle designs. He reports to Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. Faurote's most recent position was Director - Exterior and Interior Design Studio #2. He joined DaimlerChrysler in 1993 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich. Faurote has held a series of increasingly responsible design positions, playing key roles in the development and design of several high-profile Chrysler Group concept and productions vehicles. He worked to design the 2001 Chrysler and Dodge minivans, worked on all Jeep models, particularly the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. He also led the team that completed the Chrysler Firepower concept vehicle that debuted at the North American International Auto Show. Faurote replaces Thomas Tremont, Vice President - Advance Exterior and Interior Design, who has announced his intention to retire, effective June 30, 2007. Tremont joined DaimlerChrysler in 1972 as a Designer and worked on many Advance Design and concept vehicles throughout his career with DaimlerChrysler. He also helped to establish the Pacifica design studios, one of the first West Coast design studios for a domestic automotive manufacturer and one that focused on vehicle ideas and possibilities years ahead of production. Throughout his 35-year career, Tremont worked on 28 different concept vehicles and was instrumental in bringing the Plymouth Prowler concept vehicle to market as a production vehicle. Joseph Dehner is appointed Vice President - Small, Premium and Family Vehicle Design, effective June 1, 2007. He also will report to Trevor Creed. Previously, Dehner held the position of Director - Truck Exterior and Interior Design. Dehner joined DaimlerChrysler in 1988 as a Designer and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1988. Dehner has been responsible for several Chrysler Group concept and production vehicles. Past programs include the 2007 Chrysler Sebring Sedan and Convertible interior and exterior designs, the 2001 Sebring and Stratus exterior designs, and the 1999 Dodge Charger and 2000 Chrysler 300 Hemi C concept vehicles. Dehner replaces David McKinnon, Vice President - Small, Premium and Family Vehicle Design who has announced his intent to retire, effective May 31, 2007. McKinnon joined DaimlerChrysler in 1968 as a Designer and has worked on the exterior, interior and wheels of many concept and production vehicles, including key vehicles for the company like the Chrysler 300, Dodge and Chrysler Minivans and the Chrysler Crossfire. "Tom Tremont and Dave McKinnon have enjoyed stellar careers at DaimlerChrysler designing influential and eye-catching vehicles," said Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Design. "They have left an indelible mark through the products they have contributed to during their tenure." DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kevin McCormick of Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-6218, or cell, +1-248-613-5427, or Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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