Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, 2020 Full stories are available online at thehub.fcagroup.com

Hub News of the Week

Company reports third-quarter U.S. sales Oct. 1 — FCA sold 507,351 vehicles in the United States in the third quarter – a 10 percent decrease compared with the same time period a year earlier – as strong retail sales offset much of the ongoing softness in fleet purchases.

The Ram brand remained a powerhouse for dealers as retail sales for the iconic pickup trucks rose 15 percent. Jeep® also posted a solid quarter, led in large part by the continued success of the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler. Total Gladiator sales rose 37 percent to 22,163 vehicles.

Third-quarter total sales finished 38 percent higher than the second-quarter results, as FCA sold 140,265 more vehicles.

“The results reflect the hard work our dealers have done throughout the third quarter as they worked through the COVID-19 restrictions while still improving our sales over the prior months," U.S. Head of Sales Jeff Kommor said. “Jeep and Ram are hot, and we continue to prioritize deliver-ies to our dealers who are asking us to ship as many vehicles as we can build.”

During the quarter, FCA provided an overview of the depth of the Ram and Jeep product pipelines with the world-wide reveals of the Ram TRX, Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept and Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid.

Production of the TRX is scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter, while the Grand Wagoneer Concept marks the

first step in the rebirth of Wagoneer as Jeep works to quickly expand into new segments and more premium spaces.

The Wrangler 4xe will be available by the end of the year.

Jeep® Gladiator sales rose 37 percent in the third quarter.

Jeep® expands Cherokee lineup with new Latitude LUX model Sept. 30 — The Jeep® brand is delivering a new level of comfort, luxury and safety, combined with unmatched capability in the midsize SUV segment, with the new 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude LUX model.

“The new 2021 Cherokee Latitude LUX truly enhances the Jeep lineup and is a direct reflection of what our customers want and value the most in their vehicle – everyday practicality, exceptional comfort, with outstanding ride and handling characteristics,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “As the most capable midsize sport-utility vehicle, the Jeep Cherokee continues to offer consumers the ultimate blend of all-weather 4x4 capability and even more standard amenities at an incredible value.”

The Jeep Cherokee Latitude LUX includes a host of standard premium amenities, including Nappa leather seats, power front seats with power lumbar adjuster, heated front seats, premium-wrapped heated steering wheel, remote start, windshield wiper deicer, and the latest Uconnect system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard safety and security features on Jeep Cherokee Latitude LUX models include:

Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking Suite of premium LED lighting, including headlamps,

taillamps and fog lamps Blind-spot Monitoring Rear Cross Path detection LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist ParkView rear backup camera and park assist with

dynamic grid lines Rain-sensing wipers

The new Cherokee Latitude LUX joins Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited and Trailhawk models in the Cherokee lineup. With a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $30,145 for 4x2 models and $31,645 for 4x4 models (plus $1,495 destination), Cherokee Latitude LUX models are currently available for sale and order through local Jeep dealers. The Cherokee Latitude LUX comes standard with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with engine stop-start technology

and high-efficient nine-speed automatic transmission. As the only V-6 engine in its class, the Cherokee Latitude LUX delivers 29 mpg highway and best-in-class towing capability (up to 4,500 pounds). The 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged engine, one of the most technologically advanced engines in the automotive industry, is optional.

Other optional features on the 2021 Cherokee Latitude LUX model include:

Comfort and Convenience Group, which includes security alarm, power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, universal garage door opener, 115-volt power outlet, 8.4-in. touchscreen radio and 7-in. full-color thin-film transistor display

Sun and Sound Group, which includes dual-pane panoramic sunroof and premium Alpine nine-speaker sound system with subwoofer

Trailer Tow Group, which includes heavy-duty engine cooling, transmission auxiliary oil cooler, Class III hitch receiver, four- and seven-pin trailer-tow wiring harness and full-size spare tire (4x4 models only)

2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude LUX model.

Stewart highlights virtual efforts, diversity, sales success in town hall Oct. 1 — North American COO Mark Stewart provided employees across the region with an update on business operations and initiatives that have gone on-line due to the pandemic such as the Wild Wheels car show and MatchMaker event and shared new and on-going diversity and in-clusion efforts during his virtual town hall Sept. 28.

"We’ve all been thrust into this situation, and you’ve performed brilliantly," Stewart said. "Thanks to all and a sincere thanks to the majority of you who are already back in our facilities day in and day out supporting our operations across North America."

Stewart announced that the company is exploring how to update and improve the remote work program, while employ-ees who are currently working remotely, will continue to do for the remainder of the year.

One example of this effort was the creation of a survey to gain feedback and determine how to best meet the needs of employees and the business in the future.

Stewart said the survey results will guide a cross-functional team that will take an enterprise-wide look at individual and collective experiences more closely, and will develop a plan that enables the concept of remote work to evolve at FCA.

Stewart also provided a preview of the upcoming third- quarter sales results that were released on Oct. 1, which show U.S retail sales ahead of targets, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the strong sales, Stewart stated that dealers gave the company high marks for its “robust product pipeline and the improved quality of our vehicles.”

This pipeline will grow early next year when the first Jeep® vehicles start rolling off the assembly line at the new Mack facility in Detroit.

Stewart also shared several important reminders including for U.S. employees to make their voices heard in the upcoming election by voting.

He also encouraged all employees to get a flu shot. To help employees avoid the flu, vaccinations are, or soon will be, available through FCA, local CVS pharmacies and other retail clinics and physician offices.

Stewart also highlighted the annual Team Jeep Run United fundraising campaign. This year's campaign is raising money to address the inequities faced by children in southeast Michigan due to restrictions in today’s virtual learning environment.

More than 300 employees are taking part in this fundraising event. For those interested in supporting the effort, the Team Jeep commu-nity on The Hub has a number of testimonials and links to support the effort. For employees who want to give back, and running is not their thing, Stewart shared that the Motor Citizens volunteer program for salaried employees is “open” again and the volunteer site is back online via The Hub with a refreshed look.

Stewart also took some time to discuss the virtual reveal of the new Wrangler 4xe, and the all-new Grand Wagoneer Concept, along with the recent announcement by AutoPacific that FCA brands took six awards in its 24th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

As with a number of traditional events this year, the annual Matchmaker supplier diversity program was reimagined as a virtual event with more than 700 participants, 160 exhibitors and 200 FCA decision makers.

This enterprise-wide commitment to diversity also could be found with the company’s continued support of the National Black MBA Association and efforts by the company's Business Resource Groups (BRG) to support the company's recruiting programs.

To highlight their efforts, Stewart continued his tradition of featuring BRGs during his town halls by inviting members of the Latins In Connection (LinC) BRG to provide an overview of the organization.

Olivia Sanchez Worley and Humberto Chaparro Perez discussed LinC's efforts, commemorating Latin Heritage Month and their first-ever global celebration that features speakers, lunch and learns along with virtual events.

Stewart also shared how the company is committed to supporting employees regarding school and child care. After hearing the concerns of employees, FCA will provide an addi-tional, more affordable child care option with Care.com, the world's largest online destination for care. This is another option in addition to KinderCare to find trusted, affordable child care. Details about Care.com services will be available soon via email and on The Hub.

Stewart concluded by recognizing that the pandemic “has forced us to relearn and adjust to so many things. And, due to your courage and professionalism, we’ve adjusted well and continue to adjust to a dynamic environment.”

Hub Tip of the Week FCA marks 25 years of NBMBAA sponsorship

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Oct. 1 — Talented MBA candidates from 36 of the nation’s leading busi-ness schools competed for $50,000 in scholarships in the 2020 National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Student Case Competition® sponsored by FCA.

The NBMBAA/FCA Graduate Student Case Competition is an annual event held during NBMBAA’s annual conference and career fair and gives high-potential graduate students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a formal competition.

And while this year's conference and career fair went virtual, one

thing remained the same; FCA contin-ued as the exclusive sponsor of the Graduate Student Case Competition. This sponsorship dates back to 1995.

"FCA is proud to continue its several decades-long support of the National Black MBA Association and the Grad-uate Student Case Competition," said Lottie Holland, Director, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement & Talent Acquisition, FCA – North America.

More than 2,600 graduate students have participated in the competition during the course of FCA's 25-year sponsorship.

COO Mark Stewart with members of LinC.