General Motors Appoints Eric Stevens To Top Manufacturing Engineering Position In North America

DETROIT - General Motors today announced the appointment of Eric R. Stevens to the position of executive director, manufacturing engineering for North America. Stevens has been plant manager of the GM Oshawa Car Assembly Plant since September 2000. The appointment is effective July 1, 2002.

In his new position, Stevens will report jointly to Gerald Elson, vice president, GM Vehicle Operations and Jim Queen, vice president, GM North America Engineering. Stevens replaces Timothy E. Lee, who was recently promoted to GM Europe vice president, manufacturing.

Prior to his assignment at Oshawa, Stevens spent several years in GM's international operations, including assignments in Europe as executive director of lean manufacturing and as president, Opel Eisenach. Prior to moving to Europe in 1991, Stevens held a variety of positions for GM of Canada in Oshawa and at CAMI in Ingersoll, a joint venture between GM of Canada and Suzuki Motors of Japan.

"Eric Stevens brings extensive global manufacturing experience to his new position," said Gary L. Cowger, president, GM North America. "With his background and leadership skills, he will be able to help maintain the quality and productivity momentum we have achieved in our plants, and continue to provide the critical linkage between product engineering and manufacturing.'

J.D. Powers and Associates and Harbour and Associates recently honored Oshawa 1 and 2 for achievements in quality and productivity.

Oshawa 2 took the gold medal for best plant in initial quality in North America and the Buick Century, produced in the same facility, took top honors in the premium midsize segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Initial Quality Study. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which is produced at Oshawa 1, finished second in the premium midsize car segment.

In the Harbour Report, an annual study of automotive productivity, Oshawa 1 was the most productive assembly plant in North America. Oshawa 2 placed sixth in productivity.