Cosma International wins DaimlerChrysler Global Supplier of the Year Award
AURORA, ON, February 11 -- Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG.A, MG.B; NYSE: MGA) announced today that Cosma International ("Cosma"), a wholly owned operating group of Magna, and the automotive industry's premier global metalforming supplier, was recently awarded DaimlerChrysler's prestigious Global Supplier of the Year Award in the raw materials and body-in-white commodity category.
Horst Prelog, Cosma's President and Manfred Gingl, Magna's Executive Vice-Chairman accepted the award on behalf of Cosma. Presenting the award for DaimlerChrysler was Mr. Stephen Buchner, Vice President of Procurement for Mitsubishi Motors and member of the Executive Committee for Global Procurement of DaimlerChrysler.
Mr. Buchner identified Cosma as a technology leader that "consistently brings new technology and innovative ideas to the table." Mr. Buchner also praised Cosma's excellent program management and support. Commenting on Cosma's launch of the 2004 Dodge Durango frame, Mr. Buchner stated: "This was DaimlerChrysler's first frame ever to achieve process sign-off prior to launch."
DaimlerChrysler began to rate its suppliers globally for the first time during 2003. Suppliers were measured in terms of four criteria: quality, cost, technology and supply. Of the 12 Cosma facilities in North America and Europe supplying metallic components to DaimlerChrysler, 11 rated 93 or greater out of 100.
Cosma's continued strong overall performance has lead to supply contracts with DaimlerChrysler for the Chrysler 300/Dodge Magnum bodysides, engine cradle and rear subframe, the Chrysler Pacifica engine cradle, rear subframe and motor compartment rails, the Dodge Durango frame, and various exterior body panels on passenger cars of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Cosma manufactures a comprehensive range of metal body systems, components, assemblies and modules, including complete vehicle frames, chassis systems, and body-in-white systems. Cosma utilises a variety of processes, including hydroforming, stamping, and rollforming. The Group also possesses significant capabilities in various joining/welding technologies worldwide. Cosma has 38 manufacturing facilities and 12 engineering and testing facilities worldwide.
Magna, the most diversified automotive supplier in the world, designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineers and assembles complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks in North America, Europe, Mexico, South America and Asia. Magna's products include: automotive interior and closure components, systems and modules through Intier Automotive Inc.; metal body systems, components, assemblies and modules through Cosma International; exterior and interior mirror and engineered glass systems through Magna Donnelly; fascias, front and rear end modules, plastic body panels, exterior trim components and systems, greenhouse and sealing systems, roof modules and lighting components through Decoma International Inc.; various engine, transmission and fueling systems and components through Tesma International Inc.; a variety of drivetrain components through Magna Drivetrain; and complete vehicle engineering and assembly through Magna Steyr.
Magna has approximately 72,000 employees in 201 manufacturing operations and 48 product development and engineering centres in 22 countries.
For further information: contact Jim Warren, at +1 (905) 726-1782; or Louis Tonelli, at +1 (905) 726-7035, (MG.A. MG.B. MGA)