Chrysler Group Goes Big at the 2013 Texas Auto Roundup

HOT SPRINGS, Ark., May 9, 2013 — An impressive collection of vehicles from the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands led the charge to make the Chrysler Group the most successful manufacturer at the 2013 Texas Auto Roundup competition. After testing 53 new models at the April 29 event, journalists from the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) presented seven of their 19 awards to Chrysler Group vehicles, the most of any participating automaker.

In a series of direct comparisons at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, the winning Chrysler Group models displayed better craftsmanship, ride, handling and powertrain performance than their competitors. For the Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Town & Country was awarded as Minivan of Texas for the second year in a row, while the 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition won the Best Interior award, following up on the 300 Luxury Series' win as Full-Size Luxury Car of Texas last year.

"The Town & Country is a perfect minivan for large families in need of space and comfort, while the Chrysler 300C has built a solid reputation as a high-quality luxury car," said Tim Parker, dealer principal of Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, an Arkansas Chrysler dealer. "Chrysler has been investing in the development of all of its brands and playing into each of their models' strengths, and these awards are further validation of that strategy."

In total, the Chrysler Group increased its number of winning models from five in 2012 to seven this year, building progress by continuously improving on its lineup. Among the other segment-topping vehicles from automaker were the 2013 Dodge Journey Crew, winner of the Activity Vehicle of Texas award, and the 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, chosen as Performance Coupe of Texas. Jeep was also represented by the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT, recipient of the Performance SUV of Texas award.

Buyers have been responding to the Chrysler Group's current offerings, with the company's sales up 11 percent year-over-year last month, its best April tally since 2007. Sales of the Jeep Cherokee rose by 27 percent over April 2012, while the Dodge Journey and Challenger posted gains of 14 and 17 percent, respectively. The Chrysler Group has now moved 585,050 units through the first four months of 2013, a 9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

"Drivers who own a Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler tend to stay very loyal to those brands, but we've seen more and more industry experts jump onboard, and that's providing an added boost." added Parker. "These latest awards will make existing customers and future buyers proud that they are driving a vehicle that is considered by experts to be at the top of its class."

About Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:
A winner of Chrysler's Five-Star Dealer and Environmental Leadership awards, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been serving Arkansas drivers for years with new and pre-owned car sales, service and parts at their Hot Springs auto dealership. Whether you're looking for a Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger or Jeep Wrangler, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will find your ideal model with their unmatched customer-first approach. You can visit their showroom located at 4722 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, call them at 888-227-1487 or find them online at www.timparkerchrysler.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TimParkerAuto.