Ford Taps Hella to Join Family of Strategic Suppliers

Ford Motor Company has chosen Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. to join Ford’s family of strategic suppliers, a list of Tier One suppliers selected to play a key role in the automaker’s efforts to improve product quality, increase its lean and flexible manufacturing capabilities and significantly reduce material costs by 2010.

Ford initially announced plans to enter into new long-term “Aligned Business Framework” agreements with select suppliers in September 2005. Since then, the company also has confirmed plans to trim its Tier One supplier ranks by more than 50 percent. Hella was among the first companies chosen by Ford as a key supplier.

“Hella is honored to have been selected as one of Ford’s strategic partners,” says Steve Widdett, executive vice president, sales and marketing. “We stand ready to work with Ford to create new, innovative products as part of the company’s aggressive turnaround strategy.

“The Aligned Business Framework will create a sustainable business partnership for both Hella and Ford.”

Hella, a global supplier, develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry, including advanced driver-assistance systems enhancing safety and comfort. In addition, joint venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle-electric systems. Hella is one of the world’s largest companies selling automotive parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. Annual consolidated sales for the Hella Group total $3.7 billion.

Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. A total of 24,000 people are employed in 65 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint venture companies. More than 2,900 Hella engineers and technicians work in research and development across the Group. Customers include all leading automakers and system manufacturers, as well as the automotive aftermarket.

Additional information is available at http://www.hella.com/ .