The development comes ahead of the Dodge brand’s arrival in Australia mid 2006.

Simultaneously the Chrysler Group has announced that Adelaide City Chrysler Jeep in South Australia has taken out the prestigious 2005 dealer of the year.

Thirty-nine Chrysler Jeep dealerships across the country earned Five Star certification for 2005, the highest recognition for distinction in customer service.

Up from 29 in 2004, the 39 Five Star dealers include seven that have been awarded certification for the first time.

Five Star is achieved by successfully adhering to a strict set of training, facility and process requirements designed to maximise customer satisfaction.

“With the Dodge brand arriving mid 2006, it is no coincidence that a record 39 dealers have achieved Five Star certification,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

“Currently selling our Chrysler and Jeep range, we have made it mandatory for our dealers to achieve Five Star in order to be awarded the Dodge franchise in readiness for the first product arriving later this year – the Dodge Caliber.

“Our dealers are aware of the exciting products on the way and have been very keen to ensure they are apart of it and invest in facilities and processes to ensure customers have the best possible Chrysler Group experience,” said Jenkins.

Paul Pace, dealer principal, Adelaide City Chrysler Jeep, said the dealership is thrilled to be named dealer of the year.

“The award acknowledges the outstanding efforts of our team," said Pace.

“The Five Star initiative has been good for our business and we’d like to think our customers too.

“We are very positive about the prospects in 2006. The bold and creative designs of the Dodge product coming through is exactly what people are screaming out for.

“And the range of exciting Chrysler and Jeep products coming through, like the seven-seat Jeep Commander and high performance Chrysler 300C SRT8, will keep customers walking into our showroom,” said Pace.

The following dealers have been re-certified as Five Star dealers:

Australian Capital Territory
Rolfe Motors (Canberra).

New South Wales
Alessi Chrysler Jeep (Albury),
Andrew Miedecke Motors (Port Macquarie),
Bellbowrie Motors (Coffs Harbour),
Central Coast Chrysler Jeep (Gosford),
Illawarra Star Motors (Wollongong),
Kloster Chrysler Jeep (Newcastle),
Macarthur Chrysler Jeep (Narellan),
Parramatta Chrysler Jeep (Parramatta),
Peter Warren Chrysler Jeep (Warwick Farm),
Robert Gaha Chrysler Jeep (Brookvale),
Scuderia Veloce Motors (Chatswood),
Tynan Motors (Miranda),
Wagon Wheels Chrysler Jeep (Burwood),
York Motors Chrysler Jeep (Rushcutters Bay).

Queensland
Albion Chrysler Jeep (Albion),
Armstrong Auto Group (Toowoomba),
Gold Coast Chrysler Jeep (Southport),
Leo Muller Chrysler Jeep (Holland Park),
Northstar Chrysler Jeep (Redcliffe, QLD).

South Australia Adelaide City Chrysler Jeep (Prospect) – dealer of the year.

Victoria Berwick Chrysler Jeep (Berwick),
Brighton Chrysler Jeep (Brighton),
Geelong City Motors (Geelong),
Ken Muston Automotive (Shepparton),
Southside Chrysler Jeep (Ballarat),
Werribee Chrysler Jeep (Werribee).

Western Australia
DVG Chrysler Jeep (Maddington, WA),
Bunbury Chrysler Jeep (Bunbury, WA),
Chellingworth Chrysler Jeep (Nedlands),
Mandurah Chrysler Jeep (Mandurah, WA),
Wanneroo Chrysler Jeep (Wangara).

The following dealers have been certified as Five Star dealers for the first time:

New South Wales
Penrith Chrysler Jeep (Penrith),
Sainsbury Chrysler Jeep (Dubbo),
Woddleys Chrysler Jeep (Tamworth).

Queensland
Pickerings Chrysler Jeep (Townsville).

South Australia
Adrian Brian Chrysler Jeep (St Marys).

Victoria Northern Chrysler Jeep (Bundoora),
Peninsula Chrysler Jeep (Mornington).

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