Mazda, Caterpillar Team Up in Service-Parts Logistics Agreement

IRVINE, Calif., March 10 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) and Caterpillar Logistics Services today announced they have entered into an agreement, effective immediately, to provide the distribution of service-parts and accessories to Mazda dealerships in the United States and Canada.

The multi-year service-parts logistics agreement calls for Cat Logistics to assume operations of MNAO's five U.S.-based and one Canada-based distribution centers.

Mazda's North American dealers will continue to sell and support Mazda products through existing sales and service channels. Cat Logistics will provide a highly integrated array of logistics services to support these operations and reduce Mazda's overall logistics costs. Services provided include warehousing, industry-leading logistics information systems and inventory management -- from forecasting to order fulfillment.

"By using Cat Logistics, Mazda dealerships and owners will benefit from an even more accurate and efficient parts distribution and delivery system," said Fred Ehlers, vice president, customer service and parts operations for MNAO. "We selected Cat Logistics because we believe they are the best in the service-parts logistics business."

Steve Wunning, president of Caterpillar Logistics Services Inc., said, "We're very excited about providing this service to Mazda North American Operations. By leveraging the knowledge that both organizations have about distribution, and by applying 6 Sigma methodologies, we will implement best- in-class systems and processes that will significantly improve service to dealers and customers and, at the same time, reduce costs throughout the entire distribution channel."

Mazda North American Operations, comprising Mazda Motor of America, Inc. and Mazda Canada Inc., is responsible for the sales, marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles sold through over 850 dealerships in the United States and Canada. MNAO is headquartered in Irvine, Calif.

Caterpillar Logistics Services provide integrated supply chain services to Caterpillar Inc. and nearly 50 companies worldwide. Headquartered in Morton, Ill., Cat Logistics operates 86 offices and distribution facilities in 25 countries on six continents.