Chrysler Canada Donates 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara to Durham College Automotive Program

Durham College today announced the donation of a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara to its Whitby campus for use by students in its apprenticeship and post-secondary automotive programs.

The Jeep Wrangler Sahara, which was delivered by Chrysler Canada to the Whitby campus at the beginning of March, is providing students in the Motive Power Technician – Service and Management post-secondary and Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship programs access to hands-on training opportunities via the most current automotive technology and equipment available.

In particular students are using the vehicle for in-depth study of both four-wheel drive and air conditioning systems as they prepare for a wide variety of careers in the transportation and automotive fields and develop the skills sought by employers.

“On behalf of Durham College I extend my sincere thanks to Chrysler Canada for this very generous equipment donation,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The Jeep Wrangler Sahara has already become a valuable training tool for students, offering them access to the state-of-the-art automotive technology and allowing them to develop expertise that will ensure they are job-ready as soon as they graduate. Durham College is very grateful for this support of our students and their training.”

Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wrangler, easily recognizable for its iconic design and open air freedom, had its best sales year ever in 2012 in Canada.

“We are thrilled to be helping Durham College students gain an invaluable hands-on learning experience with the donation of a Jeep Wrangler Sahara,” said Dave Buckingham, chief operating officer, Chrysler Canada. “In the last five years, Chrysler Canada has donated nearly 40 vehicles that are obsolete for our purposes to educational institutions throughout the country for use as teaching aids in the classroom. Once they graduate, many students find employment within our dealership service areas, so the more we can prepare them before they join the workforce, the better it is for everyone.”

In addition to housing the college’s automotive programs, the Whitby campus is also in the middle of a massive three-phase expansion project that when complete will see more $44 million invested in an expanded post-secondary presence in Durham Region.

Phase 1, which officially opened in December 2009, is a comprehensive learning facility designed to train students in renewable energy. Phase 2, which opened in May 2011, is focused on green building trades and technology.

Phase 3, the college’s new 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food, is scheduled to open in September 2013. It will accommodate approximately 900 new students studying in culinary, hospitality, tourism, agricultural and horticultural programs, providing them access to a full-service, green-certified teaching restaurant and lounge; demonstration theatre; three public-viewing kitchens; and state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and meeting spaces.

About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

About Chrysler Canada
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2013. Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat, S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Fiat and Mopar vehicles and products. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Journey, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500.