Our customers are increasingly diverse. Our Insight program helps dealers better understand and serve minority customers. The program includes Web-based cultural training, in-dealership workshops and assistance in developing comprehensive multicultural strategies.
As part of our multicultural efforts, we have launched a new multi-language Asian-American Web site. Meanwhile, our integrated Spanish Web site – Ford's "Mi Negocio" (My Business) – is one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the auto industry, offering a one-stop resource and outreach services in key Hispanic markets.
Ford continues to lead other automakers in its percentage of minority-owned dealerships – with 377 or 7.6 percent of our 4,973 U.S. dealerships. Ford was the first automaker to launch a post-graduate training program aimed at helping minorities gain the necessary skills to become future dealership owners. Minorities who have dedicated themselves to a career in automotive retailing often are eligible for funding from Ford. Through our Dealer Development Investment Program, Ford will fund up to 90 percent of an eligible candidate's investment capital – the seed money that's needed to purchase a dealership.
We are also committed to increasing the diversity of our supply base. Our Supplier Diversity Development Office works with business leaders, trade associations and community-based organizations to create opportunities for businesses owned by minorities and women. In 2006, we purchased $3.6 billion in goods and services from almost 300 minority-owned suppliers, making Ford the auto industry leader in minority business spending for the year. We also purchased $855 million in goods and services from more than 400 women-owned businesses. Financial commitments like these have earned us a seat at the "Billion Dollar Roundtable," an exclusive group of 12 companies that spend at least $1 billion annually with diverse suppliers. Despite considerable headwinds, Ford's commitment is to incremental year-over-year percentage increases in sourcing from diverse suppliers. We encourage similar actions across our supply chain. In 2006, more than 500 of our largest suppliers purchased more than $1.8 billion from minority- and women-owned enterprises in support of Ford business.
In the majority of cases, our efforts to promote diversity are positively recognized by stakeholders. However, in some instances, certain groups may be critical of Ford because of the organizations or events we choose to support. This has been the case with the American Family Association (AFA), which in 2006 announced a one-year boycott of Ford and our dealers, citing concerns that the Company has an "anti-family agenda." Specifically, the AFA has criticized Ford because we, like many other leading American companies, have marketed in gay and lesbian media and made charitable contributions to gay and lesbian community events.
As we do with all our stakeholders, we have sought to listen to those concerned. Our response has been to reiterate that Ford values all people – regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and cultural or physical differences. This is a strong commitment that we intend to carry forward with no exception. We are proud of our tradition of treating all with respect, and we remain focused on what we do best – and the Company's only agenda – which is building and selling the most innovative cars and trucks worldwide.
Going forward, we intend to use the same approach we have always taken regarding advertising and contributions decisions; namely, doing so where it makes sense for our business.
