Dubai, UAE: 11 June, 2010 - Thirteen after-sales and service personnel from around the GCC and Levant regions were awarded with top honours at Chrysler Group Middle East's Technician Certification Program. Five distributors were awarded for being top performers in various categories of after-sales programs, while five personnel were presented with individual awards for successfully undergoing a training module to certify them as "Chassis Master Technicians". Other awards on the night included 'Service Manager of the Year' (two awards) and 'Parts Manager of the Year'. T

This awards ceremony was held during the two day after-sales conference organised by Chrysler Group Middle East (CGME) for its distributors in Dubai last month.

Having certified personnel is an important aspect of Chrysler's commitment to providing the very best in customer satisfaction. The training program, conducted by CGME's Training Manager Ahmad Salah Eldin, is adapted from Chrysler USA's Learning Management System'. This program is run throughout the year and ensures that the after-sales and technical staff of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram distributors in the Middle East are absolutely up-to-date with the latest technologies and machinery. These modules have been designed to develop supervisors and technicians within the CGME distributor network and combines workplace and classroom-based training. It takes more than two years of training to get certified as a 'Master Technician'.

CGME is currently running different certification programs for technicians, service advisors, parts advisors, service managers, parts managers, and warranty administrators.

Commenting on the awards, Maher Abdalla, Director, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care, Chrysler Group Middle East, explains; 'Our training program has been an integral component in our quest to offer the very best in after-sales service to our esteemed customers. The 'Technician Certification Program' was launched in 2008 to improve business performance, increase staff retention and most of all enhance our customer service. With the current economic climate dealers are focussing on after-sales and we have seen the highest intake of participants for the qualification in the last two years since it was launched."

"The training is a key part of developing our dealership operations and ensures our distributors are able to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction, he added."

Jack Rodencal, Managing Director, CGME and Maher Abdalla presented the awards to the winners.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Jack Rodencal said: ""Our dealers know, and are part of, their community. When local connections, and a passion for their business are aligned with excellent training programs that we conduct, we believe the customer reaps the rewards. Today's winners are the best-of-the-best, as their skills is part of their everyday commitment to excellence."

Two senior officials of MOPAR - Chrysler's official genuine parts and after-market accessories brand, attended this training-cum-Awards ceremony. Joe Currier, Senior Manager, Sales, Marketing & Business Development, International Service and Parts from Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills, USA and Michiel Verheij, Senior Manager, Service & Parts from the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) office in Germany were on hand to witness the graduation of the awardees.

MOPAR parts and accessories are available throughout the Middle East. The MOPAR advantage is that it is the only one who can provide genuine, proven, quality-tested original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram brands. Although MOPAR equipment was always available in the ME, it has received a major thrust since the last two years.

Maher Abdalla commented: "The entire MOPAR range of parts and accessories is available with our distributors throughout the region. We clearly emphasize the importance of using original equipment parts and accessories as they come with a seal of authenticity. This enables us and our distributors to honour warranties on our products, leaving our customers with total peace of mind and saving them money."

In the Middle East, MOPAR offers parts from spark plugs to oil, wiper blades to filters and brakes to accessories like lift kits, uConnect, snorkels, DVD entertainment systems, pickup bedliners plus restoration parts for the classic car enthusiast, among its vast inventory. All this at absolutely competitive prices!

-Ends-

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation - first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 - and Fiat's complementary technology - from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product line-up features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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© Press Release 2010