DETROIT (March 14, 2016) — General Motors Co. has recognized tire makers Bridgestone Corp. and Continental Tire the Americas and wheel maker Superior Industries International Inc. as suppliers of the year.
Bridgestone and Continental were among 110 suppliers from 17 countries recognized by GM at its 24th annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony held March 10 in Detroit.
This is Bridgestone's 14th supplier of the year award, according to GM, and its first as a “prime status” supplier.
This was the first time Continental Tire has earned the GM honor, prompting Enno Straten, vice president key account management for Conti's original equipment PLT business unit, to categorize winning the award as an “excellent reflection of our partnership with GM.
“Our team has been persistently working to provide the highest quality tires with innovative features to complement GM's great products. And today we are even more motivated to shift our efforts to the next level being able to tackle all upcoming challenges of the automotive industry together with GM.”
Conti has 26 separate Continental-brand and 15 General-brand OE fitments on GM vehicles, according to the brands' latest product and data guides.
GM recognized 110 suppliers this year, a nearly 40-percent increase in the number honored in 2014. More than half are repeat winners, GM said.
“Our priorities are focused on building positive supplier relationships, bringing new, customer-centric innovations to GM, and being the OEM of choice among suppliers,” said Steve Kiefer, GM vice president, global purchasing and supply chain.
“The companies we recognize tonight not only have brought innovation, they delivered it with the quality our customers deserve.”
Superior Industries President and CEO Don Stebbins said, “Our most valued recognition comes from our customers, and this award is only possible through the commitment of all of our employees. Our culture is to be results oriented, innovative, and to operate with integrity. We believe this is what keeps us and our customers on the road to success.”
Superior said it is one of GM's largest wheel suppliers and has been a GM supplier for approximately 40 years, during which time it has earned supplier of the year honors 10 times.