Chrysler Group Named "Corporation of the Year" by the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 17, 2012 /3BL Media/PRNewswire/ -

• Award recognizes Company's outstanding commitment to supplier diversity and the inclusion of Hispanic-owned businesses in the Company's supply base
• Since 1983, the Chrysler Group has purchased more than $47 billion from minority-owned suppliers

The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MHCC) has named Chrysler Group LLC "Corporation of the Year" for 2012, citing the Company's outstanding commitment to supplier diversity and, particularly, the inclusion of Hispanic-owned businesses in its supply base.

The award was announced at the MHCC's 23rd Annual Fiesta Hispana Gala held the evening of December 7 in Dearborn, Mich.

Chrysler Group's supplier diversity goals require that 10 percent of a Tier 1 supplier's procurement buy is sourced to certified minority suppliers. Chrysler Group announced early this year that it spent $2.1 billion with approximately 200 minority suppliers in 2011, representing 8.5 percent of its total annual purchasing. Women-owned businesses, which are tracked separately, accounted for $301 million of the Company's spending. Overall, the Company purchased $31 billion in direct and indirect parts, materials and services in 2011. Since 1983, the Company has purchased more than $47 billion from minority-owned suppliers.

"Chrysler Group remains as committed as ever to creating a diverse and sustainable supply base that directly reflects our customer base," said Kevin L. Bell, Senior Manager, Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC, who accepted the award on behalf of the Company. "Chrysler Group will continue to create opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses because diversity is in the DNA of our Company. Our goal is a well-developed, diverse supply chain that is inclusive to all."

In October, Bell received the Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year Award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) "in recognition of his exceptional leadership in improving the overall participation of Asian, African American, Hispanic and Native American suppliers in the Company's global corporate supply chain." In the same month, Bell also was named the 2012 "National Advocate of the Year" by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council for his leadership in promoting the growth of minority supplier spending and business development at Chrysler Group.

Chrysler Group supports several organizations that assist Tier 1 suppliers with achieving their minority-owned and women-owned sourcing goals. These organizations also include the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. In addition, Chrysler Group supports veteran-business ownership through membership with the National Veteran-Owned Business Association.

"Chrysler Group's commitment to supplier diversity and inclusion is a source of meaningful, sustainable value for the Hispanic community," said Armando Ojeda, Executive Director, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Receiving the MHCC's 'Corporation of the Year' award was a well-deserved recognition of Chrysler Group's commitment to all the communities it serves."

During his keynote address at the 2011 MHCC Fiesta Hispana, Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ram Truck Brand and President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC, announced a $50,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the nation's largest provider of college financial aid for Latino students. Diaz announced a second $50,000 grant to the HSF, from the Ram Truck brand and The Chrysler Foundation, later in the year during the International Hispanic Network's gala and awards ceremony in San Antonio, TX.

About Chrysler Group's Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Chrysler Group has been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine 13 times, and has been recognized six times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion. Chrysler Group also has been named to HispanicBusiness magazine's annual Diversity Elite 60 list for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

In 2012, the editors of LatinaStyle magazine selected Chrysler Group for inclusion on magazine's 2012 list of the 50 best companies for Hispanic women to work in the U.S., which is considered the most important recognition of efforts by corporate America to promote diversity and provide career advancement opportunities for Hispanic women.

In 2011 and 2012, the editors of DiversityInc magazine named Chrysler Group to the magazine's list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders.

Over the years, a long line of Chrysler Group employees have received important professional recognition from various diversity organizations, including Black Engineer of the Year, Women of Color, HENAAC Great Minds in STEM and others, reflecting the Company's strong commitment to attracting and developing a diverse workforce.

About MHCC

The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the premier gateway to the state's 11,000 Hispanic businesses and over 400,000 Latino consumers. MHCC serves as an advocate for jobs and economic development by promoting participation in supplier diversity development programs and international trade with Mexico and other Latin American countries.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

For more information, please visit the Chrysler Group LLC media site at http://www.media.chrysler.com. 

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