Chrysler Sebring Convertible Offers Vivid Proof of Chrysler Group's Commitment to Minority Suppliers

* $125 million in minority supplier sourcing for recently redesigned Sebring Convertible * Minority supplier expertise found in stamping, interior trim, electrical and logistics support AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- The fresh air and wind-in-your face driving experience found in the 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible are pure delights to driving enthusiasts. But the recently redesigned, segment-leading convertible also provides vivid proof of Chrysler Group's commitment to minority suppliers.

More than $125 million was sourced to minority suppliers for vehicle development, manufacturing and logistics support of the Sebring Convertible. In total, Chrysler Group sourced slightly more than $3 billion from minority suppliers in 2001, or 9.8 percent of its total purchasing spend (highest among any auto manufacturer).

Chrysler sells approximately 50,000 Sebring Convertibles every year and has approximately 15 percent of the U.S. convertible market.

Minority supplier participation is found both inside and outside the Sebring Convertible. VSA L.L.C., Lapeer Metal Stamping and SKD Co. all provide stamping components, with wheel trim and inserts supplied by Prime Wheel and Florida Production Engineering. Modular Automotive Systems supplies exterior trim and performs some sub-assembly.

Sebring Convertible's comfortable interior is supported by Plastech (interior soft trim). Under the Sebring Convertible's stylish exterior, Tom Smith Industries and Black River Manufacturing both supply injection molding, while Craft-Co provides electrical components.

``We're proud of the role all of our minority suppliers play in the successful design, development and manufacturing of Chrysler Group vehicles,'' said Tom Sidlik, Chrysler Group Executive Vice President - Procurement and Supply, and Chairman of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). ``It proves that when given the opportunity, minority business enterprises have the capability to provide competitively priced, high-quality components and services to vehicle manufacturers. We've been working diligently for close to 20 years to identify these types of opportunities for minority suppliers.''

In 1983, Chrysler Group made a formal commitment to developing minority suppliers when it established the Diversity Supplier Development (DSD) department. The department's primary aim is to assure that the Chrysler Group has a quality minority base to achieve high-levels of minority sourcing participation. During that time, Chrysler Group has been at the forefront of minority supplier support, with over $18 billion spent with minority business enterprises.

Chrysler Group defines minority suppliers by the five ethnic categories determined by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC). The ethnic groups are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian America, Asian Indian and Asian Pacific.

``We consider it smart business to support minority suppliers,'' added Sidlik. ``Chrysler Group embraces the business philosophy that our supply base should be a direct reflection of our customer base. We will continue our effort to support and develop minority businesses.''

Chrysler Sebring Convertible is manufactured at Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., alongside Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus.