DETROIT — General Motors Co. honored six tire makers — Bridgestone Corp., Continental A.G., Goodyear, Hankook Tire & Technology, Maxxis International and Group Michelin — recently with 2019 Supplier of the Year awards.
The six tire makers are among 116 suppliers from 15 countries so recognized. GM also recognized Brake Parts Inc. and Lizhong Wheel Group Ltd. with awards.
GM said its Supplier of the Year award is reserved for suppliers that distinguish themselves by going above and beyond GM's requirements, providing customers with the most innovative technologies and highest quality in the automotive industry.
GM recognized its partners June 24 during a virtual ceremony held in place of a live event scheduled for March, but which was postponed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recognition is for supplier performance in the 2019 calendar year. Thirteen of the award-winning suppliers were first time winners and five were minority-owned enterprises.
"Our suppliers play a key role in delivering the products, services and experiences our customers deserve — and these award-winning suppliers went above and beyond our expectations," Shilpan Amin, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, said.
"We also believe it's important at this point in time to thank our entire supply base for their efforts the last few months to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19," Mr. Amin added.
"Not only have we been able to safely restart our manufacturing operations, our suppliers played a key role in assisting our initiatives to increase the supply of ventilators and personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers to help save lives and keep communities safe."
GM said it was the first automotive OEM to establish a supplier diversity program, in 1968, and has averaged $3.6 billion a year in purchases from minority suppliers over the past eight years.