AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles head of network development Phil Langley says the company realizes that a dealership reaches its maximum potential “when it reflects the community it serves.”

The company in 2018 launched its Dealer Investment Program to provide financial support to high-potential individuals wanting to operate a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram or Alfa Romeo-Maserati dealership, but have limited funds. The program seeks to match potential dealers with specific markets where they can succeed.

At the end of 2018, FCA had 177 minority-owned dealers, a 57% increase since 2010.

Now, FCA has launched a dealer diversity website to support and expand the number of dealerships that minorities and women operate. The site works in tandem with the Dealer Investment Program.

FCA says the site – www.minoritydealers.com – provides a “clearinghouse of information,” including dealer success stories and awards and an online application process for anyone interested in joining the company's network of more than 2,600 dealers.

The Dealer Network Diversity team seeks to support the Dealer Network Operations team in sourcing candidates. It does that by creating a pipeline of what it describes as “qualified ready-now” candidates for the dealer network through the new website.

The team is also looking to provide candidates with an opportunity to apply online using a secure encrypted website. In addition, the team wants to ensure awareness that the website exists as a resource.

“This site now provides a direct link into what we are doing here at FCA when it comes to growing diversity among our dealers,” Langley said.

FCA now ranks No. 2 in minority-owned stores for the U.S. automotive industry, and women own 317 dealerships.

"We must maintain strong relationships with our minority-owned dealerships and those sites owned by women," said FCA senior manager of dealer market representation, diversity and technology Eric Wong.

He continued, “This site provides a conduit so FCA can provide support to help our dealers achieve financial success.” 

At the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in Las Vegas, FCA will conduct candidate interviews for individuals interested in joining the FCA Dealer Network. Interviews will take place at the Waldorf Astoria on Feb.15 and Feb 16. Interested candidates can e-mail DealerDiversity@fcagroup.com to schedule an appointment.