Ford Motor Company has always led the automotive industry in promoting diversity among our dealerships. With 364 minority dealers representing 7 percent of the total dealer body, we are not yet satisfied. The 2000 United States Census reports that by 2005, Hispanics will become the largest minority group in the nation, with African Americans representing the second largest. It is imperative that we change our involvement with these groups in order to lead in these markets. It is our vision to be the world's leading consumer company providing automotive products and services in all markets. To do so we must create a critical mass of minorities who are knowledgeable of and enthusiastic about the auto industry; thus the need for the "Critical Mass" Project. it is comprised of grassroots activities such as Empowerment Symposiums in underrepresented communities, as well as Entrepreneurship Forums, Dealership Summer Internships, Automotive Excellence Award scholarships, and now the Automotive Dealership Education Program for Minorities (ADEPM). The first phase of the ADEPM consists of the Certificate in Dealership Management. Keep reading to find out about tier two and get on the road to automotive retailing.
