Chrysler Group Ranked Among Best for Diversity

DiversityInc names Chrysler Group to its 'Top 50' list for first time

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 20 -- DiversityInc named Chrysler Group to its "Top 50" list for Diversity this week. The announcement marked the first time Chrysler Group has joined the prestigious list of honorees. The annual national listing, now in its fourth year, is one of the most comprehensive diversity metrics in corporate America. Chrysler Group finished 39th out of a total of 178 companies considered in the process.

"Chrysler Group embraces diversity and is committed to being a company that is well respected -- both inside and outside of our corporate walls -- for our inclusive practices," said Monica Emerson, Executive Director - Chrysler Group Corporate Diversity Office. "We will continue to work hard to build on the progress that we've made to ensure the Chrysler Group is recognized as a great place to work for all employees."

According to DiversityInc, this year's ranking was twice as detailed as last year's and is the most in-depth analysis of corporate diversity management, leadership and marketing that ever has been undertaken.

"This year, the questions were analyzed over a period of six months and virtually all of them were revised or augmented, for a total of 122 questions that are so specific and detailed that a true, metrical picture of corporate diversity emerged," said Barbara Frankel, DiversityInc Executive Editor.

Chrysler Group's commitment to diversity extends throughout the organization, including supplier and dealer operations. Chrysler Group remains an industry leader in dollars spent with minority suppliers with nearly 11 percent spent in 2003. Chrysler Group's Minority Dealer Program outperformed the corporate average in new vehicle sales and revenues in 2003 with $3.5 billion in sales.

In addition, Chrysler Group was recognized as a "Top 100 Company" by Working Mother Magazine for the seventh consecutive year. The Company was the only automotive company to make Working Mother's list this year and one of only two companies in Michigan named to the list. Latina Style Magazine also has named Chrysler Group one of the "Top 50" places to work for Hispanic women for six consecutive years.

"Diverse markets are driving our economy. Managing diversity is a competitive factor for any business, from sales to marketing to recruiting and retaining the best talent," said Luke Visconti, Partner/Co-founder, DiversityInc.

Companies in the diversity poll were evaluated based on 122 questions requesting specific details on corporate diversity management, leadership and marketing. In addition, to assess a company's measurement program for evaluating diversity success, specific data was requested on four key areas: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate Communications (internal and external) and Supplier Diversity.

DiversityInc Media, LLC publishes DiversityInc, the magazine and DiversityInc.com , the premier source of original, managerial-level information on the business of diversity, written for senior management at large corporations and owners/partners of women and minority-owned businesses. The company's mission is to provide education and clarity on the business benefits of diversity by positioning diversity as a strategic business opportunity.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com