(BLACK PR WIRE) AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 20/PRNewswire/ --

• Top Supporters selected by deans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority serving institutions

• "America's future in the marketplace depends on the development of technical talent at minority-serving institutions throughout the country"

The deans of Abet-accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have selected Chrysler LLC as a Top Supporter of HBCU and other minority-serving institutions for 2009. Chrysler joins a distinguished list of corporate and governmental leaders engaged in supporting development of top talent pursuing technical careers at the nation's minority-serving institutions.

This seventh annual survey of education leaders was conducted by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine. In completing the annual survey, the deans considered a corporate or governmental candidate's support for infrastructure modernization and enhancement, research, participation on advisory councils, faculty development opportunities, scholarships, student projects, co-ops and career opportunities.

"America's future in the marketplace -- indeed, Chrysler's continued viability -- depends on the development of technical talent at minority-serving institutions throughout the country," said Lisa J. Wicker, Director - Office of Talent Management, Global Diversity and Leadership Development, Chrysler LLC. "Chrysler is proud to be among those corporations and government agencies who are considered leaders in this important area."

U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine will salute Chrysler and other corporate and governmental Top Supporters in the Dean's Edition of the magazine to be published in May 2009. Top Supporters will also be acknowledged at an upcoming recognition dinner to be held at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The deans invited to participate in the survey represented institutions such as: University of Puerto Rico, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas - Pan American, Colorado State University - Pueblo, Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State University and Tuskegee University.

About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep?, Dodge and Mopar? brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2008 were 2 million vehicles. Outside of North America, 2008 was the second-best sales year in the last decade and the third-best ever for Chrysler International. Chrysler LLC’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. Reinforcing a commitment to bring to market a broad array of advanced electric vehicles across all its brands, Chrysler has introduced five electric-drive vehicle prototypes since the fall of 2008. At least one of these vehicles will be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, with European market production later, and at least three more models will follow by 2013.

The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2008, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

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