FORD HONORS 47 TOP SUPPLIERS FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN 2007

DEARBORN, Mich., April 16, 2008– Ford Motor Company has recognized 47 top global suppliers at 57 locations for their work in helping Ford develop high quality, lower cost vehicles that customers want. The World Excellence Awards, which celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ceremony Tuesday night, also recognize suppliers for embracing Ford's vision of profitable growth, teamwork and a better world. 

"This marks the tenth year we have honored world-class suppliers for extraordinary contributions that directly impact Ford's ability to deliver high quality vehicles and customer satisfaction," said Tony Brown, group vice president, Global Purchasing. "This commitment to excellence is coming through in the latest quality data, which show Ford's initial quality in North America is now equal to the best in the industry. These successes belong not just to Ford – but our suppliers as well."

"It is a pleasure to recognize the technical excellence of our supplier partners," said Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally. "As we work to deliver the products and services people really want and value, we are more fully integrating our suppliers into our processes.  It is by working together that we will be able to deliver profitable growth for all involved with the Ford enterprise."

First distributed in 1998, the World Excellence Awards were jointly developed by Ford and its suppliers. There are three levels of awards: Gold, Silver and Recognition of Achievement.  The gold and silver awards are presented to Ford's top production and non-production suppliers that consistently demonstrate superior quality, delivery and cost performance.

The third award, Recognition of Achievement, is given to suppliers that improve customer satisfaction by leading key initiatives:  New Consumer-Focused Technology, Ford Warranty Reduction Program, Corporate Responsibility, and Diversity and Community Service. 

Gold Award winners:

Silver Award winners:

Recognition of Achievement Award winners:

   

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents.  With about 245,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda.  The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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