AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a special presentation that included Frank Ewasyshyn, DaimlerChrysler Executive Vice President -- Manufacturing, DaimlerChrysler today donated a 2006 Dodge Charger to the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM). The gift of the Dodge Charger will be used to help patients recovering from a disabling injury or illness regain their ability to operate and use a motor vehicle. RIM is one of the nation's largest freestanding, academic hospitals specializing in rehabilitation medicine and research. The Institute focuses on helping people rebuild their lives after a serious illness or injury such as a stroke, spinal cord or brain injury. The center provides services for 1,600 patients a year. The Dodge Charger will be placed inside RIM's "Rehab Village," an interactive therapeutic module that helps persons with disabilities learn skills for independent community living. In addition to helping patients learn how to transfer in and out of a vehicle from a wheelchair or walker, they also will learn basic car maintenance skills such as changing the oil. "At DaimlerChrysler, diversity is a basic part of our business and oftentimes, people with disabilities are overlooked as a part of our diverse society," said Ewasyshyn. "When we respond to the driving needs of our customers, including people with disabilities, we make the commitment to build cars and trucks that everyone can drive and enjoy. Our 'Automobility' program helps us do that." "Rehab Village" also will feature a DaimlerChrysler product kiosk that offers information on DaimlerChrysler vehicles, adaptive equipment and installers. DaimlerChrysler started its "Automobility" program in 1987, making it the first of its kind in the industry. The program provides cash incentives to people with disabilities who need to upfit their vehicles. The Dodge Charger and all Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge products, can be upfitted to meet the needs of drivers who require specialized equipment to remain mobile. "Automobility" offers up to $1,000 for the retail purchase or lease of adaptive driving or passenger equipment installed on a new eligible vehicle. "We are extremely grateful to DaimlerChrysler for providing us with this wonderful gift," said Terry Reiley, President of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. "Community mobility is one of the first steps on the road to recovery, and helps our patients become active, productive and inclusive members of our community. We thank DaimlerChrysler for sharing that commitment with us." For more information, please contact "Automobility" at (800) 255-9877. DATASOURCE: DaimlerChrysler CONTACT: Curtrise Garner, +1-248-512-2712, , or David Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690, , both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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