"Shared Interest" Honors Chrysler Group Senior Vice President

NEW YORK, March 7 -- Frank Fountain, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President -- External Affairs and Public Policy, has been honored by Shared Interest for his dedication to fostering economic development and for supporting AIDS/HIV health initiatives in Africa. Shared Interest is a leading New York based international organization that mobilizes resources for South Africa's economically disenfranchised communities to help build on a nation based on equality.

Fountain was selected for the Shared Interest award because of his accomplishments in helping to bring economic and social progress to Africa. In November of 2004, he led a business opportunity mission to South Africa to increase global opportunities and competitiveness for minority U.S. auto suppliers and South African minority enterprises.

He has utilized his expertise in business management and finance to govern Africa-focused organizations, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for both the Corporate Council on Africa and Africare. In 2005, Fountain twice delivered testimony before U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair's Commission on Africa, urging the G8 nations to increase aid for Africa.

Fountain was a part of a select group of individuals who were honored for their contributions to African society, including Anti-apartheid Leader, former South African Member of Parliament and Former President of the World Peace Council Albertina Sisulu and former Executive Director of American Committee on Africa and the African Fund Jennifer Davis. The award was presented on Monday, March 6 in New York City.

"Shared Interest recognizes Frank Fountain for his commitment to building a just and equitable society in Africa," said Donna Katzin, executive director of Shared Interest. "We hope his outstanding work will inspire others to invest in South Africa's future."

Actor, singer and activist Harry Belafonte participated in the evening's festivities, along with other dignitaries, including U.N. Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo and Deputy Executive Director, U.N. World Food Program Sheila Sisulu.

"Frank's strategic leadership at Chrysler Group and continuous dedication to creative problem solving within numerous communities has contributed greatly to the Company's success as an automotive leader in building societies by increasing economic opportunities," said Robert G. Liberatore, DaimlerChrysler Group Senior Vice President -- Global External Affairs & Public Policy. "This prestigious award from Shared Interest is an honor to Chrysler Group and a testament to Frank's ability to utilize his strategic insights and leadership abilities within the Company and beyond."

Each year, Shared Interest presents awards to individuals and institutions that support initiatives that promote and protect human rights, gender equality, economic justice and democracy in South Africa.

Shared Interest has helped launch 19,000 small businesses and create 28,000 jobs to improve the lives of more than 450,000 South Africans, of whom more than 75 percent are women.