Chrysler Group LLC Donates 2013 Dodge Dart to New Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct 26, 2012 /3BL Media/ - Chrysler Group LLC helped celebrate the grand opening of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Transportation Education Center this afternoon with the donation of a 2013 Dodge Dart, the company’s all-new, state-of-the-art, four-door sedan.

Chrysler Group has long tapped SIUC’s Automotive Technology program for new hires and interns who work in a variety of capacities for the Chrysler Group, including Manufacturing, Network Development and Fleet, Mopar® Service, Parts and Customer Care, and other areas of the company.

“Donating a made-in-Illinois Dodge Dart is a way to give back to the university that continues to supply Chrysler Group with well-trained automotive graduates,” said Peter Grady, Chrysler Group’s Vice President of Network Development and Fleet. “Chrysler Group has been hiring SIUC automotive grads since 1982, and we look forward to continuing our close relationship with one of the nation’s premiere four-year automotive programs.”

SIUC’s new Transportation Education Center, located just north of Carbondale in southern Illinois, houses the Automotive Technology, Aviation Management and Flight, and Aviation Technologies programs.

SIUC students will develop diagnostic skills working on the new Dodge Dart. While this is not Chrysler Group’s first vehicle donation to the university, it is the first model donated by Chrysler Group from its Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant.

Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics, all starting at a U.S. MSRP of just $15,995.