Chrysler's Minority Spending Hit $3 Billion In 2002 - spending on goods and services from minority suppliers - Brief Article

Autoparts Report, March 4, 2003

Chrysler Group said that it purchased more than $3 billion from minority suppliers for goods and services in 2002. The total amount represented about 11 percent of its total purchasing spend, maintaining Chrysler Group's position as one of the industry leaders in terms of percentage of dollars spent with minority business enterprises.

Since 1983, when Chrysler Corp. established its Diversity Supplier Development program, the Company has sourced more than $21 billion to minority suppliers.

Currently, more than 300 suppliers in Chrysler Group's supply base are minority companies. The Company also has a "Matchmaker" program that pairs minority suppliers with Tier 1 suppliers to increase business opportunities among the two companies. The program is entering its third year. Since its inception, it has generated $30 million in additional business opportunities to minority suppliers.