From the introduction of the first safety rim wheels in 1941, to being the first automotive company to make airbags standard in 1988, safety has long been first priority for Chrysler Group brands. Today, our approach to safety and security is still leading the way, with collision avoidance technologies like our Blind Spot Monitoring System, and protection features like our Electronic Stability Control. In fact, in 2011, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded 11 Chrysler Group vehicles with the Top Safety Pick Award, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Charger, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Durango, FIAT 500, Jeep Grand Cherokee® and Jeep Patriot.

Chrysler Group was the first to pair four-wheel-drive and automatic transmission in 1963. This bold move gave consumers the power and control they were looking for, but with the same driving ease afforded front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Today, Chrysler Group makes another major "shift" as we become the first domestic automaker to roll out an eight-speed automatic transmission. A big step toward greater fuel efficiency, this new transmission will be standard on rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models with the Pentastar® V-6 engine.

When Chrysler released its first generation of HEMI® headed V-8 engines in the early 1950s, it launched an automotive era that would last for over 20 years. The "horsepower wars" had begun. And while the Chrysler HEMI engine might have been the first hemispherical combustion chamber on the automotive market, it has always been the "first" among muscle car enthusiasts. Today, the power and performance of the HEMI engine is back in a light-weight, small-block version that smokes the competition.

Consumer needs change, and Chrysler Group is always striving to anticipating changes in consumer tastes and preferences. We were the first to introduce power windows (1950), power steering (1951) and even cruise control (1958). And today, we continue to engineer and produce new technologies that meet the needs of changes in our market. For example, our new Uconnect® feature allows drivers to easily adjust seat or cabin temperature, select a new music station or make a call without taking their eyes from the road. Uconnect® displays real-time traffic speed and flow information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas. It also connects passengers with an endless variety of entertainment options—from e-mail via Wi-Fi, to movies, games and music.

The 1924 Chrysler Six was an advanced, well-engineered 6-cyclinder that could hit 70 mph (a speed only obtained by luxury cars like the Packard Eight). It quickly obtained "best in class" position and offered many features that most autos didn't include, such as the first mass-produced four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Today, Chrysler Group brand vehicles are still being recognized as "best in class" for their innovative design and engineering. For example, in 2011, 16 Chrysler Group vehicle nameplates were honored with a variety of awards that recognize the best driver's vehicles in the market—from Consumer Digest's "Best Buy Award," to "Ranks Highest in Initial Quality/Mid-Size Sporty Car Segment" from J.D. Power and Associates/2011.