Leadership Message

For years, GM has been a recognized diversity leader in retail automotive. In 1972, GM was the first OEM to sponsor a program for developing African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American minorities as dealers. GM Minority Dealer Development remains the most comprehensive program of its kind among all automakers.

The importance of diversity cannot be overstated. Data shows that companies with diverse workforces are 35 percent more profitable than the industry mean. They are also more successful at innovation, recruiting, customer service and growing market share. Many of GM’s minority dealers are among the most successful in our network.

Building a global culture of diversity is a GM business imperative. As a company, we are becoming more diverse day by day. But fully leveraging the power of diversity requires taking the step from diversity to inclusion. The difference? Inclusion is diversity in action.

Inclusion is the centerpiece of MDD. That means giving everyone a seat at the table, not simply growing our numbers. It means listening to and learning from dealers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and walks of life. Our goal is to provide every individual the opportunity to fully engage in our business and reach their fullest potential.

We are grateful to the more than 50 years of work that has been done by MDD to create a GM network that is inviting to both minority men and women—not just as dealers, but in all sales, service and management careers. The tools and training we provide helps ensure the success of minorities throughout the automotive industry.

MDD is changing the face of retail automotive and it’s critical for GM to connect with the changing face of America to succeed in winning customers for life. We invite you all to get involved with MDD and ask that you take an active role in fostering an inclusive culture that nurtures and respects the unique beliefs, talents and capabilities of our diverse network. To win in the marketplace, we need everyone’s voice to be heard.