Benteler Automotive Honored for Supplier Excellence By Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc.

    GOSHEN, Ind., July 3 Benteler Automotive has won a 2001
MMMA Supplier award for excellence in the components it supplies to Mitsubishi
Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc. (MMMA).  The award was presented in
recognition of Benteler Automotive's Goshen, Ind. manufacturing facility, a
producer of pressed parts including automobile subframes, cross members and
wheel housings.
    "Mitsubishi has played an integral role in the growth and success of the
manufacturing programs at Goshen," said Ed Steinebach, plant manager.  "Our
entire team is extremely proud to be recognized for its ongoing efforts to
produce innovative, high-quality parts for our customers."
    Established in 1983, the annual MMMA Supplier Awards program recognizes
North American suppliers for excellence in parts and materials quality, timely
delivery and the competitive values of the products they supply.  Benteler
Automotive was among 15 award winners selected for 2001.
    Rich Gilligan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of
MMMA, said that each of the 2001 winners has made a significant contribution
to MMMA's record sales and increased customer satisfaction.
    "The commitment of these companies and their employees demonstrates that
MMMA has the leadership in our supply chain to continue our positive momentum,
well into the future," he said.
    MMMA produces the Galant sedan, the Eclipse coupe and the Eclipse Spyder
convertible for Mitsubishi and the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus coupes
for DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
    Benteler's Automotive business supplies automotive components, modules and
systems to a global customer base.  Its product lines include chassis
components and modules, safety and structural products, exhaust systems, and
tubular components and systems.  Headquartered in Paderborn, Germany, the
company is one of four Benteler A.G. business units:  Automotive, Steel/Tube,
Mechanical Engineering, and Trade.  The family owned business will celebrate
its 125th anniversary in September this year.  Benteler A.G., with sales of
$2.7 billion, operates 40 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries and employs
more than 17,500 people.  Benteler Automotive's North American executive
offices are located in Grand Rapids and Livonia, Mich.