AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ —

• Unique annual event enables MBA candidates from 22 of the nation’s leading business schools to compete for scholarships
• Company has been exclusive sponsor of the competition since 1995
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill wins 2009 competition

MBA candidates from 22 of the nation’s leading business schools competed for $35,000 in scholarships in the 2009 National Student Case Competition, sponsored by Chrysler Group LLC and The Chrysler Foundation.

The National Student Case Competition is a unique, annual event designed to give high-powered student teams an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a formal competition. Teams are given a hypothetical business case from which they develop business solutions. Each student team then prepares and presents its case before a panel of experienced business executives. Teams are judged on their analysis of the case, the feasibility of their recommendations and the quality of their presentation.

The competition is held as part of the National Black MBA Association’s annual convention, which was held September 22-26 in New Orleans. The Chrysler Group has been the exclusive sponsor of the National Student Case Competition since 1995.

“Over the years, the Chrysler Group has enabled more than 1,300 students to present their analyses and recommendations to real-world problems during the National Student Case Competition,” said Lisa J. Wicker, Director — Talent Management, Global Diversity and Leadership Development, Chrysler Group LLC. “This competition has evolved into the premier showcase event for student achievement and an important way the Chrysler Group demonstrates its continuing commitment to diversity, scholarship and leadership.”

The students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) took home the first place trophy as national champions of the competition and $15,000 in scholarships money. The winning team members were Taalib al’Salaam, James Bryant and Aeisha Williams, all MBA students at UNC. The second and third place teams represented Emory University and Winston Salem State University, whose members earned $12,000 and $8,000 in scholarships respectively.

“The students displayed an impressive grasp of global business dynamics as it relates to this year ‘s challenging case study,” Wicker said. “In particular, the students from UNC Chapel Hill delivered a sound analysis and unique solution to capture first place.”

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively 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.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS:  For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://www.media.chrysler.com.

CONTACT:  Mike Palese, +1-248-512-2682 (office), +1-313-930-1252 (cell), mp88@chrysler.com; or Shawn Morgan, +1-248-512-2692 (office), +1-248-760-2621 (cell), sm718@chrysler.com