Chrysler Group Named to DiversityInc 2011 List of 'Top 50 Companies for Diversity'

News provided by

Mar 03, 2011, 11:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Annual list recognizes corporate leaders in managing diversity
Recognition marks the fifth time since 2001 Chrysler has been included on either the "Top 50 or 25 Noteworthy" companies list.
"Diversity will continue to be a key factor in Chrysler's growth and success"

The editors of DiversityInc magazine have named Chrysler Group LLC to the magazine's 2011 list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders. This is the fifth year since the lists were established in 2001 that Chrysler has been included on either the top 50 or 25 noteworthy companies list.

Selections for the lists are based on empirical data submitted in the 2010 DiversityInc annual top 50 companies for diversity survey. Both the DiversityInc top 50 and the 25 noteworthy companies lists for 2011 were announced March 2 in Washington D.C.

"We are very proud of this recognition of Chrysler's leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the sound practices contained in our business strategy," said Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President -- Human Resources, Chrysler Group LLC and Co-Chair of the Company's Diversity Council. "Going forward, Chrysler's diversity will continue to be a source of innovation and competitive advantage, and a key factor in our growth and success."

DiversityInc's 200-question annual survey is divided into four parts: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity. To be considered for a spot on the DiversityInc Top 50 list, a company must score above average in all four areas. In particular, Chrysler scored high in the categories of Human Capital and Supplier Diversity.

"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 and Co-Chair of the Company's Diversity Council. "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."

Since 1983, Chrysler has purchased more than $43 billion from minority-owned companies. The Company 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.

"Innovative companies such as Chrysler have switched from trying to move the status quo to establishing a new one," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. "Smart companies see increasing diversity efforts in an economic downturn as a way of beating less-adept competition that will pull back."

About Chrysler's Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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 five times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion. In 2009 and 2010, Chrysler was named to HispanicBusiness 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 LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar® 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, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Ram Truck. 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.

Follow Chrysler news and video on:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo

Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler

Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm

Corporate website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC