Chrysler Group Celebrates Diversity Week

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News of October 16, 2002

Chrysler Group Celebrates Diversity Week

Photo: DC

Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Chrysler Group kicks-off National Diversity Week today with a number of activities that are designed to honor the unique talents of its employees and serve as an educational forum about the importance of diversity in the workplace and community.

With the theme "Many Talents -- One Company -- Winning Together," Diversity Week will showcase Chrysler Group's commitment to embrace diversity as a positive force for development and growth of its business.

"The success of Chrysler Group depends on a well-qualified workforce that is reflective of the customers who use our products and services and of the communities in which we operate," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO, Chrysler Group. "Only people are capable of creating the value that will ensure the success of our company. Diversity is an integral part of being a premier global company."

The Company's many Employee Resource Groups help to pull together activities to raise awareness around diversity. Employee Resource Groups at Chrysler Group include the African American, Native American, Women's Forum and Gay/Lesbian.

"One of the greatest strengths of our company is its diversity," said Lisa Wicker, Chrysler Group Director of Diversity and Worklife. "We value our employees for their different talents, background, cultures, experiences and lifestyles. We are also committed to encouraging diversity among our dealers, suppliers and partners throughout our business enterprise."

In an effort to ensure that diversity is demonstrated throughout Chrysler Group, the Company formed a Diversity Committee, which meets monthly, and is led by Tom Lasorda, Executive Vice President-Manufacturing, and Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President - Human Resources.

The purpose of the Diversity Committee is to provide leadership on corporate actions and programs, insuring diversity throughout the entire business enterprise. The Diversity Committee is part of the company's management and policy-making structure.

Chrysler Group's diversity initiatives also extend beyond internal programs. The company supports organizations and institutions that foster diversity, as well. Chrysler Group is one of the original signatories with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility (HACR). Both aim to establish fair share initiatives in employment and economic equity.

Chrysler Group also has launched various initiatives to enhance minority supplier sourcing opportunities. This includes the Minority Enterprise Initiative, a mentoring program that provides minority suppliers with comprehensive business assessments to help them improve their current processes. In addition, the Matchmaker Program provides an opportunity for minority-owned companies to meet Chrysler Group Tier One suppliers to be "matched up" for potential business relationships.

In 2001, Chrysler Group sourced more than $3 billion to minority suppliers, which is 10 percent of its total spend - making it the leader in the automotive industry. The Michigan Minority Business Development Council also named Chrysler Group recently as "Corporation of the Year."

(Oct. 14, 2002)

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