Diversity strategy for procurement*

In connection with our purchasing activities, it is important that we open up opportunities in the world’s markets to minority suppliers and disadvantaged social groups – and this objective has been secured in our internal goal agreements. Daimler has been cooperating successfully with workshops for the disabled for more than 30 years. In order to support the economic development of South Africa’s historically disadvantaged black population, Daimler is also continuing its strategy of “Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment” (BBBEE) in conjunction with local suppliers. Daimler also expects its suppliers to increase their procurement volumes from minority-run companies.

Placing orders with workshops for the disabled

We placed orders with approximately 40 workshops for the disabled in 2007. Such orders include the production of Mercedes-Benz components and complete vehicle modules, the quality of which meet all requirements. We also purchased logistics services from our partner workshops. One of our main suppliers here is the Gemeinnützige Werkstätten und Wohnstätten GmbH (GWW) organization, which was founded in 1973. Of the 1,200 people employed by GWW in 2007, approximately 180 worked on orders for Daimler products.

Black economic empowerment

To promote the economic development of South Africa’s historically disadvantaged black population in a sustainable manner, Daimler South Africa is continuing its strategy of “Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)” in conjunction with local suppliers. Activities in 2008 will focus on implementing the new B-BBEE Codes mandated by the South African government last year into an integrated approach. Daimler South Africa’s primary goal here is to continually help foster economic growth and stability in the country and surrounding region.

 

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