TORONTO — Bridgestone Americas Inc., Goodyear and Hankook Tire America Corp. were among nearly 100 North American companies honored recently by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. for achievements in supplying parts and materials throughout 2017.
Honda also honored TR Wholesale Solutions — the wholesale arm of Tire Rack Inc. — for top marks in supplying Honda and Acura dealers.
The company honored suppliers in two areas: those supplying parts and materials for mass production products and companies supplying service parts that serve the needs of customers after they have purchased Honda and Acura products.
"Honda values our collaboration with innovative suppliers as we work together to create high quality vehicles to meet the growing expectations of our customers," Tom Lake, Honda's vice president for North American purchasing.
Honda purchased a record $32 billion in parts and materials for mass production from North American suppliers in 2017. These purchases supported sales of more than 1.6 million Honda and Acura passenger vehicles last year in North America.
Honda also purchased more than $1 billion in parts from its Service Parts suppliers in North America last year.
Goodyear was singled out for Honda's Supplier Sustainability Award, which honors a supplier that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to social responsibility.
Goodyear, which has been a Honda supplier for 30-plus years, said it was honored for excelling in all areas of Honda's seven-part sustainability program: human rights; compliance and ethics; governance; diversity; trade compliance; health and safety; and environmental.
"We strive to lead the tire industry, for the benefit of our customers, our communities and the environment," Goodyear Americas President Steve McClellan said.
"Our innovations drive improvements throughout the supply chain, from tire designs that enhance rolling resistance and help drivers use less fuel per mile, to reducing operational use of water and energy in our plants and ensuring our tires are managed properly at the end of their useful life."
Bridgestone Americas and Hankook were among 13 suppliers that received double awards; Bridgestone for excellence in quality and delivery; and Hankook for excellence in delivery and value.
The awards ceremony was held April 26-27 in Toronto.