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December 20, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - With its iconic rear-wheel drive proportions, elegantly sculptured bodyside, world-class craftsmanship and refinement, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series proudly delivers the distinction, innovation and premium large sedan features at a legendary value, while setting a new course for the American brand.

With more than 55 years of elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 delivers contemporary styling with design details unexpected in the segment. At the front, an all-new grille features seven deeply sculpted horizontal blades that express precision. The liquid-chrome finish of the blades and the new Chrysler wing badge provide a unique contrast against the beautifully drawn bright chrome grille surround. Illuminating the road ahead are signature "key slot" headlamps with a scalloped lower edge. Inside, bi-functional projector headlamps are nestled next to LED-illuminated daytime running lamps, which together form a "C" shape for unmistakable on-road presence.

The profile of the all-new Chrysler 300 features the distinctive proportions of its predecessor with added design refinement for a more tailored appearance. Dramatic front-fender forms rise above the sculpted hood and are echoed by rear-quarter forms which rise above the deck lid and travel down the vertical taillamps for an unmistakably bold signature silhouette. For improved aerodynamics and visibility, the all-new Chrysler luxury flagship's windshield has been raked back 3 inches, while rolled-framed doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility by 15 percent. To take in the sky above, a new dual-pane panoramic sunroof provides Chrysler 300 passengers with twice the outward visibility of a standard sunroof. For a more contemporary appearance, the 2011 Chrysler 300 features a clean bodyside with a distinct windswept A-line that emphasizes the sedan's long wheelbase and spacious cabin. Delivering a touch of world-class sophistication, the all-new Chrysler 300 is highlighted by chrome daylight openings, chrome front--and rear-fascia accents and available 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels.

Elevating the all-new Chrysler 300's presence from the rear, the deck lid now incorporates a lip spoiler while the new Chrysler wing badge is proudly centered below. Jeweled-like rear taillamps feature harmonious LED illumination, while signature "light pipes" illuminate for an alluring nighttime appearance. Straddling the vertical lamps, Chrysler 300's rear fascia integrates a chrome applique that seamlessly connects the taillamp elements while emphasizing the road-holding stature of the flagship sedan. Standard fascia-mounted 3.5-inch oval dual exhaust tips complete the sedan's appearance.

Combining world-class accommodations with American style, the all-new Chrysler 300's interior delivers expressive style, authentic materials, passenger comfort features and precise fit and finish. Substantial interior upgrades on the all-new Chrysler 300 consist of soft touch materials, premium interior trim, available heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and real wood appliques on the instrument panel, doors, center console and steering wheel.

Designed to exude a luxurious environment, the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedans feature cast-skin instrument and door panels with three-dimensional dual gloss graining for a premium appearance and suppleness. Bright chrome contrasted with liquid chrome accents give the Chrysler flagship sedan the appearance of milled aluminum. For added detail, a new instrument cluster features two large gauge faces with sapphire blue illumination and chrome ring accents. Providing a premium and contemporary environment is an all-new sapphire blue LED-illuminated ambient interior lighting.

With its massive 8.4-inch Uconnect® Touch infotainment center, the all-new Chrysler 300 sedans feature the segment's largest standard touchscreen display, integrating world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure. From touchscreen navigation to dual-zone climate controls, to the ability to check fuel prices and personalize convenience features, Uconnect Touch makes life in the all-new Chrysler flagship sedan an excellent experience for the driver and passengers.

It has been nearly 17 months since Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat Group joined forces with Chrysler emerging as a new company with CEO Sergio Marchionne at the helm.

You may be curious about what the company has been up to since then. The short answer is, plenty. While the launch of the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee  kicked off a torrent of new and refreshed vehicles about to hit the showroom floor, our manufacturing side has been literally working overtime implementing World Class Manufacturing to boost quality, efficiency and productivity as the company invests millions to update equipment and processes.

Here is a quick catch-up on what may have been missed.

Since June 2009, Chrysler Group has made significant progress as a renewed player in the automotive industry. This includes reporting an operating profit of $326 million for the first half of 2010 and a $239 million operating profit for the period ending September 30, 2010, as well as announcing numerous investments in U.S. facilities that account for more than $2.1 billion.

Let's take a closer look at these Chrysler Group investments and the new and retained American jobs that resulted:
December 2009
- $179 million invested at Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant (Dundee, Mich.). More than 150 new jobs created
May 2010
- $43 million invested at Kokomo Casting Plant and Kokomo Transmission Plant (Kokomo, Ind.). Nearly 400 new positions to be filled primarily by Chrysler workers on layoff
- To keep up with demand for its newly launched 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a second shift of nearly 1,100 jobs was announced at Jefferson North (Detroit) Assembly Plant starting in July
June 2010
- Additional $300 million invested in Indiana Transmission Plant I and the Kokomo Casting Plant (Kokomo, Ind.). Nearly 1,200 jobs retained
July 2010
- Chrysler Group announced Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant (SHAP), previously designated for closure in 2012, will remain open and a second shift of nearly 900 jobs will be added in the first quarter of 2011. In addition, suppliers will add nearly 500 jobs to support SHAP production
October 2010
- Chrysler Group announced a potential investment of $1 billion in SHAP and surrounding stamping facilities as well as its GEMA facility
- Most recently, Chrysler Group announced a $600 million investment in its Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. This plant will produce future products, beginning in 2012 and nearly 2,000 jobs will be retained

Moving on from investment talk, Chrysler Group has a lot to offer by way of new and recharged Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram cars and trucks.

The company set the bar high in November 2009 when it laid out an aggressive plan to renew and refresh 75 percent of its current vehicle line by the end of 2010 and 100 percent of the portfolio by the end of 2012. Since then it has been working full steam ahead to turn that goal into a reality.

The 2011 product barrage started with the introduction of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in May 2010. This vehicle was quickly awarded a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in June, solidifying a turn in the right direction for American manufacturing and the Chrysler Group.

In July, Fiat North America rewarded its long-time U.S. enthusiasts with an opportunity to reserve one of 500 special-edition vehicles, the Fiat Cinquecento "Prima Edizione". Keeping with the theme of paying homage to its legendary brand enthusiasts, that same month, Chrysler Group introduced the Mopar® "10 Challenger and offered 500 special-edition cars to be built by pre-order for loyalists.

In August 2010, the company revealed a few sneak peeks at the new architecture and styling of the 2011 Dodge Durango. Next it unveiled the new version of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited both featuring an all-new interior and upscale appearance courtesy of a body color removable hardtop.

The company really ramped up expectations in October when it shared photos of the highly-anticipated 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-sized sedan and the amped up Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Later that month, it continued its product onslaught by unveiling the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and the newly overhauled 2011 Dodge Avenger. In both vehicles, the revamped interior takes the front seat, followed closely by the redesigned exterior and upped performance attributes.

The company ended October on a high-note when it swept the competition in every category entered at the Texas Auto Writers Association?s (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo. The new 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn took home top honors as "Truck of Texas" while the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee claimed the "SUV of Texas" spot. In the remaining categories, the Ram brand reigned supreme, securing a plethora of awards including Full-Size Truck of Texas, Heavy-Duty Truck of Texas and Luxury Truck of Texas.

In just a few short months, Chrysler Group has come a long way in making impressive strides in the right direction. Momentum keeps rolling and we have no intention of slowing down.