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Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne, and UAW Vice President and Director of the Chrysler Department General Holiefield hosted former Polish President and founder of Solidarity, the Soviet bloc’s first independent trade union, Lech Walesa for a speech at the Company’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) today. The 2,800 employees at JNAP build the award-winning Jeep® Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.
During his visit, Walesa spoke to a group of about 100 workers and guests. In his introduction, Marchionne said, “It is not often in life that you get to spend time with someone who has played a vital role in changing the course of history.
“Lech Walesa is one of those rare leaders who represents a true turning point in our collective life, for what he has done and for the way he has inspired the world,” said Marchionne.
Following his speech, Walesa toured the plant with Marchionne and Holiefield to see how it has restored the pride and dignity of the workforce through the implementation of World Class Manufacturing (WCM), the company’s production system. The goal of WCM is to reduce waste by improving safety, quality and efficiency.
“Jefferson North has played a key role, not only in the resurgence of Chrysler sales but also in the cultural change that is transforming our entire company,” said Marchionne. “A cultural change driven by personal commitment, sense of responsibility, respect for each other, and the awareness that we have the privilege to be the authors of our future, of a better future.”
Walesa traveled to Detroit from Chicago where he participated in the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates on April 23-25. The World Summit is internationally recognized as among the most important annual events in the field of peacemaking, attracting hundreds of high-profile leaders and organizations around the world. The Jeep brand is one of the sponsors of the Summit.
Walesa founded Solidarity in 1980 and went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. He served as President of Poland between 1990 and 1995.
About Jefferson North Assembly Plant
Jefferson North Assembly Plant was built in 1991 and produced the first Jeep Grand Cherokee in January 1992. In July 1999, the facility was expanded. Production of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee launched in August 2004 and Jeep Commander production launched in July 2005. In May 2010, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled off the line. A second shift of production began on July 19, 2010. The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango, the first Dodge ever to be produced at Jefferson North, began production on Dec. 14, 2010.
In January 2012, Chrysler Group announced that it would add a third crew or 1,100 jobs in the first quarter of 2013.
As the Nobel Peace Laureates arrive in Chicago for the 2012 World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, a fleet of 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SUVs will be waiting to transport them as the “Official Transportation Sponsor” of the 2012 World Summit.
“The Jeep brand is honored to provide transportation for the esteemed Nobel Peace Laureates who have dedicated their lives to causes affecting world peace,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
In addition to providing vehicle support for the global conference, support vehicles will be provided to The Permanent Secretariat of Nobel Peace Laureates and World Summit organizers.
On Wed., April 25, Chrysler Group LLC’s Chief Marketing Officer Olivier Francois will present a tribute video honoring the “2012 Peace Summit Award” recipient, actor, founder and CEO of J/P Haitian Relief Organization Sean Penn for his efforts in helping to rebuild and aid the victims affected by the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
The 12th World Summit, themed “Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights,” will focus on peace, human rights and youth involvement. Chicago is the first North American city to host the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.
Under the Pentastar” is a weekly recap of some of the major stories at Chrysler Group LLC. In this week’s edition stories include: New FIAT Brand commercials “Baby” and “House Arrest,” Olivier Francois at the Automotive Press Association, the new Dodge Avenger SE V6 and a new NASCAR Charger revealed in Las Vegas.
In less than one week since its debut on the Fiat Brand’s YouTube channel, “House Arrest” has hit more than 1 million viewers. The Fiat brand unveiled the new commercial for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth online the afternoon of Thursday, Mar. 1; this morning the spot exceeded 1 million views. The spot is set to make its broadcast debut on Thursday, March 15 during the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
“This commercial was designed to generate brand awareness and capture interest for the Fiat 500 Abarth in a manner that is intended to be edgy and fun, said Olivier Francois, Head of Fiat Brand worldwide and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. “We are overwhelmed and thrilled with the interest generated for this spot and we are excited for its debut on evening and late night programming.”
“House Arrest,” features iconic bad boy and actor, Charlie Sheen and marks the return of Catrinel Menghia, the sensation from “Seduction” the brand’s first Super Bowl commercial. In the spot, a crowd cheers on Sheen as he races through a luxurious home in a Fiat 500 Abarth. Screeching to a stop, Sheen exits the vehicle, sporting an ankle monitor, as the same woman featured in “Seduction” flirtatiously approaches him.
“House Arrest” was created in partnership with Doner of Detroit and can be viewed at the FIAT brand’s YouTube site, http://www.youtube.com/fiatusa.
About the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Building on the excitement of the new 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the new Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.
With its all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth unleashes the brand’s legendary performance heritage to American streets. The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $22,000 (not including destination).
About the FIAT Brand The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is synonymous with modern simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.
Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle’s global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 800,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 80 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 and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 60 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year and Best New Engine of 2010 (FIAT MultiAir® Turbo).
One of the hottest vehicles in the California market will find its way to one lucky winner courtesy of the Jeep® brand and the Tierra Del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club of San Diego.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of one of the largest and longest running annual Jeep events in the country, the San Diego-based Tierra Del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club’s Desert Safari.
In celebration of this milestone, the Jeep brand has donated a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport to the club, which it has accessorized with parts from Mopar®, Katzkin and Goodyear. For the next nine months, the up-fitted Wrangler will be transported to several locations and events throughout southern California, giving the club the opportunity to educate the public about land-use issues and sell raffle tickets for the vehicle’s eventual auction in December at the San Diego International Auto Show.
“We are honored to recognize Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club and the 50th Anniversary of their Desert Safari event,” said Jason Stoicevich, Director, Chrysler Group LLC’s California Business Center. “For more than 50 years, this club has been promoting the enjoyment and protection of our natural resources, family outdoor living and responsible trail use, values that the Jeep brand has also been supporting for more than 70 years.”
“Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club of San Diego is honored to work with Jeep on this monumental project,” said Joseph Smith, Club President. “Funds raised will go to the club’s mission of ‘Keeping Public Lands Open’ and the education of responsible off highway vehicle use.”
Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand, donated a significant amount of parts and accessories to the vehicle up-fit. All parts are available for consumers to purchase and have installed at local Jeep dealers.
Mopar Parts List: Black fuel door – 82210285AB
Locking gas cap – 68030940AA Hood lock, keyed to ignition- 82213051
Black taillight guards – 82210270AC Black rock rails – 82210574AD All weather rubber floor mats – 82210164AC Black 5 hole wheels – P5155978 2” lift kit – P5155208 Heavy-duty front bumper – 82211715AC Heavy-duty rear bumper – 82209744AB Winch, Warn 9.5ti – 82209325AD
This Wrangler was up-fitted by Jack Powell Jeep in Escondido.
Jeep Brand 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.
The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.
Sorpresa tra gli Esuli giuliano-dalmati di Torino: l’amministratore delegato della Fiat, Sergio Marchionne (madre istriana) ha partecipato ad una delle celebrazioni organizzate dalla ANVGD nel capoluogo piemontese. Si trattava dell’omaggio alla Targa commemorativa distrutta lo scroso anno dai vandali e poi ripristinata. Nelle foto de La Stampa alcune istantanee del suo intervento. Al microfono è il presidente della Consulta ANVGD del Piemonte, Antonio Vatta.
In corso Cincinnato, lì dove una lapide di marmo su un muro di mattoni rossi ricorda i «350 mila istriani fiumani e dalmati» costretti ad abbandonare la «loro terra e i loro morti», Sergio Marchionne è arrivato senza preavviso. Barba bianca, maglioncino nero e qualche uomo della scorta. Un sorriso appena abbozzato, qualche stretta di mano: «Vi porto i saluti della mia mamma».
All’invito alla cerimonia per il «Giorno del Ricordo» al Villaggio Santa Caterina di Lucento hanno risposto quasi trecento persone. Anziani fuggiti all’odio dei titini, le ultime generazioni delle famiglie dell’esodo e l’ospite dell’ultima ora. «E’ stata una sorpresa – dice Fulvio Aquilante, presidente dell’Associazione Nazionale Venezia Giulia e Dalmazia – è venuto a rendere omaggio alle radici famigliari di sua madre».
Prima di allontanarsi l’ad Fiat ha trovato il tempo per scambiare qualche parola in dialetto istriano. «La prossima auto che producete chiamala Istria…», gli ha proposto un anziano esule.
(fonte La Stampa)
