DaimlerChrysler

Chrysler Group Partners with Local Law Enforcement and Crime Stoppers of Michigan to Announce Reward

-Vehicle theft ring targeted

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 7, 2006 - Chrysler Group announced today that it would offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspects involved in the theft of employee-owned vehicles from parking lots at the Company's Jefferson North (Detroit) and Warren Truck Assembly Plants.

The Crime Stoppers reward, combined with the cooperative efforts of the Detroit Police Department, Warren Police, Macomb County Auto Theft and Michigan State Police, will target an organized crime ring believed to be involved with stealing 80 privately owned pickups and sport-utility vehicles from the two Southeast Michigan manufacturing plants.

"The security and welfare of our employees is, without exception, Chrysler Group's highest priority," said Christopher P. Hogan, Chrysler Group Senior Manager — Chrysler Group Security. "Success is often a team effort. Working with our employees, law enforcement, Crime Stoppers and the people in our neighborhoods, we can build a team to successfully beat these criminals."

Chrysler Group employees and members of the public are encouraged to call the anonymous tip hotline — 1-800 SPEAK UP (1-800-773-2587) if they have information that may lead to an arrest.

The $1,000 reward will also apply to the arrest of individuals involved in the buying and selling of stolen parts.

"Crime Stoppers empowers citizens to provide information anonymously to help solve crimes and apprehend criminals," said John Broad, President, Alliance for a Safer Greater Detroit. "Crime Stoppers provides rewards to citizens for their assistance. We are happy to assist law enforcement and DaimlerChrysler to end these auto thefts."

Joint investigations have revealed that the criminals appear to be targeting Dodge Rams, specifically, for their 20-inch wheels. Until this year, Dodge Ram was the only pickup in America with factory-equipped 20-inch wheels. The vehicles are being stolen, stripped of tires and wheels and, in some cases, radios and abandoned nearby.

Chrysler Group Security has taken an active role aimed at identifying and apprehending the thieves. Additional marked security patrols also have been employed during working hours.

Police advise employees to ensure they're taking appropriate steps to protect their vehicles. They recommend purchasing vehicles equipped with Sentry Key — or coded key-type — vehicle security systems, installing wheel locks and other devices to disable and discourage thieves.

Police warn that under no circumstances is criminal apprehension to be attempted.