Ford Diversity Forum, New Supplier Program Aim to Accelerate Pace for Diversity in Business

* Ford is taking the lead with its first-ever Multi-Company Diversity Forum, a gathering of more than 100 multinational companies designed to stimulate an industry-wide dialogue on diversity issues. * At the forum, Ford is announcing "M-Tier," an interactive, Internet- based reporting program that will assist its suppliers in tracking their own diversity-sourcing efforts. * Ford obtained a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. Ford is the only automaker and the largest corporation to get this score.

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 20 -- Ford executives, led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford, and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm stressed the vital importance of diversity in business today during their remarks at Ford's first-ever Multi-Company Diversity Forum, an industry-wide dialogue on automotive industry diversity efforts.

The forum, attended by more than 100 multinational companies, attracted top automotive suppliers, dealers, government officials and various business leaders. Ford and other senior corporate executives led them through an afternoon of symposiums that focused on growing diverse suppliers, building a diverse organization and multicultural marketing. Panel discussions resulted in viewpoints and insights that companies can use to further refine and accelerate their diversity strategies.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said diversity plays a prominent role in the state's economy. "In order to keep Michigan competitive in a global economy, we must continue to focus on the importance diversity plays in growing our economy," Granholm said. "Promoting diversity makes good business sense and will help position Michigan as an economic powerhouse in the 21st century."

Additionally, Ford introduced M-Tier, its interactive, Internet-based reporting program designed to encourage and assist its Tier 1 suppliers in starting and more easily tracking their own Tier 2 reporting programs. M-Tier also allows Ford to capture, track and verify the diverse dollars spent by its Tier 1 suppliers and throughout the Ford value chain. The program is free to Ford suppliers.

"M-Tier will be a catalyst for the creation of new Tier 2 programs throughout the auto industry," said Jim Padilla, chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company, and chairman, Automotive Operations. "An increase in Tier 2 programs will result in large suppliers sourcing more dollars to diverse suppliers. These dollars flow into diverse communities, which supports Ford's major goal in diversity -- economic empowerment of diverse communities through the creation of wealth.

"It aligns with Ford's second goal of being a teacher as well as a leader in assisting suppliers without the background, experience or financial capability to start their own Tier 2 programs," Padilla added.

Ford's M-Tier program will be developed by Oakbrook, Ill.-based CVM DiversityQuest, a Hispanic software solutions provider and supplier diversity data verification company.

Meanwhile, Ford obtained a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. Ford is the only automaker and the largest corporation to get this score. The Corporate Equality Index is a systematic review of how America's largest companies treat their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors.

The number of companies receiving the top grade rose to 56 in 2004, from 28 in 2003 and just 13 in 2002. Ford previously scored 85 percent, but by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, the score took a considerable jump.

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