Chrysler Group Named 2006 Corporation of the Year by the Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)

October 11, 2006 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Chrysler Group has been named the 2006 “Corporation of the Year” by the Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC). The award, which is the Council’s most prestigious, will be presented to DaimlerChrysler today at the second annual CAMSC Business Achievement Awards in Toronto.

"In highlighting the successes of these companies, we are showcasing some of the forward-thinking businesses that have recognized the tremendous positive impact aboriginals and minorities have in the development of the Canadian economy," said Orrin Benn, President of the CAMSC. "We are incredibly proud of these organizations, and we sincerely commend their efforts toward building a truly diverse and productive Canadian business community."

The "Corporation of the Year" award is given to the company that has significant impact in aboriginal and minority business development and clearly demonstrates efforts to help minority businesses develop and prosper.

“Receiving CAMSC’s 'Corporation of the Year' award is a wonderful way for DaimlerChrysler to be recognized for its efforts," said Peter Rosenfeld, Executive Vice President – Procurement and Supply, Chrysler Group. "Our company has actively supported minority business development for several years. Last year, we led the industry by spending 13 percent of our dollars with diverse suppliers. We are very proud to be recognized for our commitment to supplier diversity.”

In addition to Chrysler Group’s overall minority supplier spend, several vehicles contain large amounts of minority-supplied content. The 2006 Jeep® Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee have various components valued at $143 million and the award-winning 2006 Chrysler 300C and 2006 Dodge Charger, manufactured in Ontario, Canada, contain $140 million in minority content. Minority supplier expertise can be found on the inside and the outside of the vehicles – stampings, interior trim and electrical components. Material handling logistics are also managed by one of Chrysler Group's minority suppliers.

DaimlerChrysler has been recognized by other organizations for its commitment to minority supplier development. The Company received the National Minority Supplier Development Council's Corporation of the Year award in 1986, 1993 and 2000. The Corporation also was recently named "Corporation of the Year" by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council for the sixth time since 2000.

CAMSC was created in 2004 to promote purchasing from Aboriginal and minority enterprises by large corporations. During the organization's charter year, DaimlerChrysler promoted opportunities for CAMSC members through introductions to both the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) and the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). For the first time in 2005, CAMSC members also participated in DaimlerChrysler's annual Matchmaker event, gaining visibility with Tier One suppliers.

DaimlerChrysler Diversity Supplier Development
Since 1983, DaimlerChrysler has been a leader in supporting minority business enterprises and has sourced more than $31 billion to minority-owned companies. In 2005, DaimlerChrysler spent $3.8 billion with minority suppliers, which represents 13 percent of its total purchasing spend and an increase of $400 million from the previous year.