Chrysler Group LLC Demonstrates Its Historic Commitment to Supplier Diversity and Minority Supplier Development, Proudly Hosts the 11th Annual Matchmaker Event

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ --

• Matchmaker is the premier networking event in the automotive supplier diversity community
• Event draws more than 1,500 participants including more than 240 exhibitors eligible to support Chrysler's supply base
• Company sourcing to minority-owned businesses has increased to $43 billion since 1983

Chrysler Group LLC continued to demonstrate its historic commitment to supplier diversity and minority supplier development, holding its eleventh annual Matchmaker event today at the Company's headquarters in Auburn Hills. Matchmaker is focused on providing minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses access to Chrysler's Tier 1 suppliers and the Company's procurement community.

Since Chrysler first launched the Matchmaker event in 1999, it has become a premier networking event in the automotive supplier diversity community. This year's event drew more than 1,500 participants, including minority and corporate exhibitors representing businesses eligible to support Chrysler and its supply base.

"Chrysler remains as committed as ever to creating a diverse and sustainable supply base that directly reflects our customer base," said Dan Knott, Senior Vice President - Purchasing & Supplier Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. "Matchmaker creates business connections that ultimately lead to positive economic outcomes for our supplier partners, our Company, our customers and our communities."

Since 1983, Chrysler has purchased more than $43 billion from minority-owned companies. The Company announced early this year that it spent $1.6 billion with minority suppliers in 2009, representing 13.4 percent of its total annual purchasing. Although Chrysler's domestic spend declined in 2009 due to unprecedented market conditions, the Company's overall percentage of minority suppliers within the supply base actually increased.

Matchmaker also helps Tier 1 suppliers achieve Chrysler's sourcing goals through certified minority-owned and women-owned suppliers. Current diversity goals require that 10 percent of a Tier 1 supplier's procurement buy be sourced to certified minority suppliers. The sourcing goal for Chrysler Group's women-owned business program is three percent.

"Chrysler Group has developed programs like Matchmaker to build and strengthen our minority supply base," said Kevin L. Bell, Senior Manager - Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC. "Chrysler 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."

Chrysler Group continues to support several organizations that assist Tier 1 suppliers achieve their minority-owned and women-owned sourcing goals, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Canadian Aboriginal And Minority Supplier Council and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. In addition, Chrysler supports veteran-business ownership through membership with the National Veteran-Owned Business Association.

About Chrysler's Leadership Commitment to Diversity

Chrysler historically has been a leader in promoting diversity throughout its enterprise. The Company was named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine 12 times, and has been recognized four times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity.  In 2009 and 2010, Chrysler was named to Hispanic Business magazine's prestigious Diversity Elite 60 for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

Early in 2010, CEO Sergio Marchionne assumed the role as executive sponsor of Chrysler's Global Diversity Council and reaffirmed the commitment of Chrysler's leadership team to the values and principles of diversity.

"Culture is the fabric that holds organizations together. It is not just an ingredient for success; it is the essence of success itself," Marchionne wrote. "This is why my leadership team and I are committed to creating an atmosphere where all of our people feel respected and valued, because every person plays an important role in shaping our future, including employees, our supply base, our marketing and our dealer network. Chrysler Group LLC and its people have a future with promise. We will reach the full measure of that promise only as one, united diverse team."

About Chrysler Group's Diversity Supplier Development (DSD) program:

Chrysler's DSD Web site (supplierdiversity.chrysler.com) serves as a resource to minority suppliers seeking information regarding Chrysler Group's diversity supplier development program.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC