Consumers Digest Awards Seven Chrysler Group Vehicles With ‘Best Buys’ for 2015 Model Year

November 3, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan earns a spot on Consumers Digest’s list of automotive “Best Buys” for the 2015 model year, joining six repeat award winners from Chrysler Group.

The Chrysler Town & Country (Minivan), Dodge Durango (Full-size SUV), Dodge Grand Caravan (Minivan), Fiat 500 (Subcompact), Jeep_® Grand Cherokee (Midsize SUV) and Ram 1500 (Pickup) are returning “Best Buy” honorees, in addition to newcomer Chrysler 200 (Family Car).

Consumers Digest selects “Best Buys” by identifying vehicles that deliver the most value for the money within their segment; value is determined by purchase price and ownership costs as well as comfort, performance and utility among other factors, the magazine said. The automotive editors at Consumers Digest drive “Best Buy” contenders in a range of circumstances and conditions to evaluate vehicle characteristics such as acceleration, ride quality, fuel economy, fit and finish, styling, and interior ergonomics.

“The 200 puts Chrysler solidly in the U.S. family sedan picture,” said Rich Dzierwa, Editor – Consumers Digest. “The 200 sedan’s recognition as a Consumers Digest Best Buy in its launch year speaks well of Chrysler Group’s efforts recently.”

About Consumers Digest
The Consumers Digest Best Buy designation is a registered certification mark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used in this press release with permission. For award information, visit ConsumersDigest.com.

About Chrysler 200
The 2015 Chrysler 200 debuts a beautiful exterior design featuring the new “face” of the Chrysler brand – a thoughtful, exquisitely crafted interior and an exceptional driving experience, complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and an Alfa Romeo-based chassis. The all-new Chrysler 200 provides the choice of two world-class engines, an innovative all-wheel-drive system, available sport mode and paddle shifters for an engaged driving experience, and an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 36 miles per gallon (mpg) with a 2.4L engine.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 offers the most available safety features in the mid-size sedan segment, and state-of-the-art, easy-to-use technology that keeps drivers and passengers connected.

About Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country adds two additional models for 2015, providing customers with comfort, safety and innovative features at any budget. Chrysler Town & Country has the highest owner loyalty in the segment, according to R.L. Polk, and offers the most innovative seating and storage system with Standard Stow ‘n Go Seats. Town & Country’s award-winning powertrain delivers best-in-class horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a three-time “Ward’s 10 Best Engine” winner and produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Chrysler Town & Country achieves an EPA estimated 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 25 on the highway.

About Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Grand Caravan, America’s most affordable minivan, is offering new Plus Packages for 2015 to give customers the most desired features at a significant value. The Grand Caravan offers industry-exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go seating that can be easily operated with one hand, allowing users to convert from carrying seven to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds. The Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine provides best-in-class 283 horsepower without a penalty at the gas pump, getting up to 25 mpg. The Grand Caravan is equipped with more than 55 safety, security and technology features.

About Dodge Durango
With a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy and performance, LED exterior lighting, two interior touchscreens, a programmable instrument cluster and an available high-definition dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system, the Dodge Durango reaches even higher levels of sophistication building on its proven performance, utility and comfort.

Named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for three years, Durango’s standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with the standard eight-speed transmission generates an impressive 290 horsepower (295 horsepower on Rallye, Citadel and select Blacktop models) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and can tow up to a best-in-class 6,200 pounds. The V-6 powered Durango also features a best-in-class driving range of over 600 miles on a tank and up to 25 miles per gallon.

The available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The 5.7-liter engine’s Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation allows the HEMI V-8 engine to achieve up to 23 miles per gallon.

About Fiat 500
Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2015 Fiat 500 builds on the vehicle’s global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1 million Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries around the world. The model’s unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500’s great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, engine performance and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards.
 
In North America, the FIAT brand portfolio continues to expand with the introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L, a five-passenger model that expands FIAT brand’s style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

About Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee — the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be — receives even more content for the 2015 model year. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features as well as a new Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit’s premium exterior aesthetics. The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland and Summit.

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission. Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system.

2015 Ram 1500
First ever back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year winner (2013 and 2014), the Ram 1500 offers an exclusive, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – 28 mpg – 420 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability. The Ram 1500 also delivers best-in-class gasoline engine fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Ram 1500 features a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems, including first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension.
 
About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA is an international automotive group listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

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