Automotive Supplier Diversity Drives Forward as FCA US Marks 17th Year of MatchMaker

  • Event has generated more than $2.5 billion in new business opportunities for exhibitors since inception in 2000
  • Event attracts more than 250 diverse suppliers showcasing automotive innovations and technologies to more than 3,000 attendees
  • In 2015, FCA US spent $3 billion with minority-, women- and veteran-owned suppliers
September 15, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  FCA US LLC hosted its 17th annual MatchMaker on Sept. 15, bringing more than 3,000 participants to its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. MatchMaker provides more than 250 minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses access to FCA US leadership and buyers, tier one suppliers and leaders from advocacy and certifying organizations like the Women Business Enterprise National Council and the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
 
In 2015, FCA US spent $3 billion with approximately 232 minority-, women- and veteran-owned suppliers, representing 8 percent of the Company’s total annual purchasing. Since 1983, the Company has purchased nearly $55 billion from diverse suppliers.
 
“FCA US has a rich history supporting diversity in the automotive supply base and we continue to push ourselves to build a network of diverse businesses working toward a common goal,” said Scott Thiele, Global Purchasing Officer for FCA NV and Head of Purchasing and Supplier Quality for FCA – North America. “We know that diverse teams spark creativity and help us deliver exceptional products to our global customer base. This leads to sustained growth for all of us.”
 
MatchMaker has generated more than $2.5 billion in new business opportunities for minority-, women- and veteran-owned suppliers since 2000.
 
FCA US offers exhibitors the unique opportunity to participate in seminars designed to help strengthen their businesses, as well as give them a forum to pitch innovative ideas to key decision makers. The seminars, led by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and others, cover such topics as creating compelling marketing materials, developing long-term financial strategies, working with customs organizations and refining reporting practices.
 
The Company’s supplier diversity goals require that up to 11.5 percent of a tier one supplier's buy be sourced to certified minority and women suppliers. MatchMaker is just one event where tier one suppliers are matched with innovative, diverse tier two suppliers.
 
FCA US also supports several organizations that assist tier one suppliers with achieving these sourcing goals, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association. 
 
About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA is an international automotive group listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

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Contact Information

Ann Marie Fortunate
Cell: (313) 401-4906
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