-- Automaker commits to fund fellowships for third consecutive year WASHINGTON, July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group announced today that it will continue its partnership with the National Association of Minority Media Executives (NAMME) to fund the Chrysler Group/NAMME Fellowship for a third consecutive year. The announcement, made during NAMME's 17th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., underscores Chrysler's commitment to help increase the number of minority communications executives and owners. The company funds a similar fellowship program with the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB). "It is important that people of color be represented in the top ranks of management in newsrooms and in every department throughout the media industry," said Jason Vines, Chrysler Group Vice President -Communications. "Chrysler Group is excited about the Chrysler Group/NAMME Fellowship program and looks forward to continuing to work with the organization to fulfill its mission to increase leadership opportunities for minorities in the media industry." Chrysler Group Fellowships are offered as part of NAMME's Leadership Development Institute (LDI), which is managed by the NAMME Foundation. LDI is a three-day, hands-on program for new and middle managers of color in which participants sharpen their leadership skills, learn how to develop their careers and successfully contribute to the goals of their organizations. Through group interaction and discussion, the participants also share their experiences of trying to achieve personal and professional goals in a race-sensitive society. "LDI exists to encourage more diversity in the media profession at the highest levels and to serve as a resource to the industry on issues of diversity," said Toni Laws, Executive Director of the National Association of Minority Media Executives (NAMME). "We at NAMME applaud the Chrysler Group for stepping up to the plate to help us meet this critical need." To date, four Fellows have completed the Chrysler Group/NAMME Fellowship program. Two additional Fellows will be announced this fall. Celebrating its 17th anniversary, NAMME is an influential organization of media managers and executives of color working in newspapers, broadcasting, magazines and online media. Its 400 members range from middle managers to newspaper publishers and broadcast general managers, as well as media entrepreneurs. More than 90 percent of its membership is African-American, Hispanic, Asian American and Native American. The Chrysler Group, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, employs more than 84,000 people worldwide. The company manufactures, markets, distributes and, through its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers, sells cars, minivans, sport- utility vehicles and trucks to customers in more than 125 countries worldwide. It's Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands feature some of the world's most recognizable vehicles including the Dodge Viper, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chrysler 300C. In 2006, Chrysler Group sold 2.7 million vehicles globally. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kevin McCormick of Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-6218, +1-248-613-5427, cell, ; or Linda A. Smith of Ntouch Communications, +1-757-851-2139, +1-757-810-3479, cell, Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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