AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Group recently launched a new national workplace wellness program called the "BP Success Zone - You Auto Know" to help its employees better understand the importance of having their blood pressure under control and then maintaining it. BP Success Zone was developed in partnership with Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The program, which was introduced on Sept. 19, will be conducted in 28 Chrysler Group facilities across the country in cooperation with the Company's wellness vendors -- The StayWell Company and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. The year-long program includes: * Quarterly blood pressure screenings for employees * Talks by healthcare professionals including dietitians on the importance of treating hypertension and making healthy lifestyle choices * Awareness outreach to community physicians * Numerous educational tools (brochures, biometric tracking cards, website, and newsletters) to help engage and maintain awareness of the perils of high blood pressure. High blood pressure has become a national health crisis, contributing to the deaths of almost 30 Americans every hour of every day. More than 65 million people in the U.S. -- nearly one in three -- have high blood pressure, and more than 50 percent of those who are taking blood pressure medication still have inadequate control. When blood pressure is too great, each heartbeat can damage the vessels and restrict blood flow to vital organs. Getting blood pressure down to less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or lower may reduce the risk of eye and kidney damage, stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. The total direct costs of treating high blood pressure in the U.S. are estimated at $29.6 billion, in addition to $10.8 billion in indirect costs from lost productivity (2001 figures). "We are committed to keeping DaimlerChrysler employees healthy and are excited to be at the forefront of companies driving employee health initiatives," said Kate Kohn-Parrott, Chrysler Group Director - Integrated Health Care and Disability. "We believe the BP Success Zone program will give employees valuable tools to map out a plan to manage their blood pressure." At the program's conclusion, Chrysler Group will work with Novartis to study the program's effectiveness, which will include: * Evaluating the impact of BP Success Zone and the educational interventions on the level of BP control * Measuring the prevalence of hypertension in employed population (diagnosed / undiagnosed) * Characterizing hypertension in the employed population * Evaluating cardiovascular risk factors via the health risk assessment "Uncontrolled high blood pressure needs to be recognized as a priority, as it significantly increases a person's risk for heart attack and stroke. Novartis is committed to working with the Chrysler Group to help people understand the dangers of high blood pressure and motivate them to work with their healthcare professional to get it to a healthier level," said Donald W. DeGolyer, Vice President, Strategic Accounts, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. The BP Success Zone program (http://www.bpsuccesszone.com/ ) was originally created by Novartis and includes comprehensive and customized patient support and education programs in the area of hypertension. People in the program receive information about treatment, education and tailored action plans to help reach blood pressure goals set for them by their health care professionals. About the Chrysler Group DaimlerChrysler Corporation, also known as the Chrysler Group, is the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's fifth- largest automaker. Employing more than 86,000 worldwide, DaimlerChrysler Corp. manufactures, markets, distributes and -- through its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers -- sells cars, minivans, sport-utility vehicles and trucks to customers worldwide. Chrysler Group operates in more than 100 countries and in 2005, sold 2.8 million vehicles globally. Chrysler Group's manufacturing facilities include 14 assembly plants, 13 power train plants, three stamping operations, six technical centers in North America, and seven manufacturing affiliations outside of North America. The Company also has 22 parts distribution centers throughout North America. About Novartis Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation develops, manufactures, markets and sells leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including those in the cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, organ transplantation, central nervous system, dermatological, gastrointestinal and respiratory areas. The company's mission is to improve people's lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions. Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) -- a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, treat disease and improve well-being. Our goal is to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. Novartis is the only company with leadership positions in both patented and generic pharmaceuticals. We are strengthening our medicine-based portfolio, which is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics and leading self-medication OTC brands. In 2005, the Group's businesses achieved net sales of $32.2 billion and net income of $6.1 billion. Approximately $4.8 billion was invested in RD. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 91,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com/ . DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: David Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690, , or Angela Ford, +1-248-512-2986, , both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.novartis.com/ http://www.bpsuccesszone.com/

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