Bosch, DENSO Challenge Employees to Compete for a Cause
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 2 -- Automotive suppliers DENSO International America, Inc. and Robert Bosch Corporation initiated a friendly, corporate challenge in an effort to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The two companies are rallying employees to see which organization can raise the most money for the local JDRF chapter during this year's "Walk to Cure Diabetes."
The JDRF's annual walk brings supporters together in a healthy activity for a worthy cause, raising money to help find a cure for diabetes.
"We came up with this idea after last year's 'Walk to Cure Diabetes' because employees from both companies wanted to increase our presence at the walk," said Bill Steffan, senior vice president, finance and corporate planning, DENSO. "This friendly competition allows our companies to not only raise awareness of and community support for JDRF, but also secure additional funds for the organization."
"As automotive suppliers, we compete in the marketplace every day, and this is an excellent opportunity for us to compete together to support an important cause," said Sylvia Vogt, vice president, corporate affairs - Americas, Bosch. "In addition to being corporate sponsors, Bosch and DENSO are using the corporate challenge to help our associates draw attention to the JDRF's 'Walk to Cure Diabetes' and raise additional funds for diabetes research."
The JDRF walk will take place Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Mich. and in Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, Mich. "Walk to Cure Diabetes" participants will enjoy morning refreshments, a light lunch, entertainment, special attractions, children's activities and plenty of family fun.
About JDRF
More than one million Americans have type 1 diabetes, a disease most often diagnosed in childhood that strikes suddenly, lasts a lifetime, and carries the constant threat of deadly complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information, visit http://www.jdrf.org/ .
About DENSO
Japan-based DENSO is a global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company employs 95,000 people in 31 countries and regions, including Japan. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 totaled $24.2 billion. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to http://www.globaldenso.com/ .
In the Americas, DENSO employs 14,000 people at 33 locations with consolidated sales of $5.3 billion for the above fiscal year. For more information, go to http://www.densocorp-na.com/ .
About Bosch
One of the largest North American automotive suppliers, Bosch develops, manufactures and supplies precision components and systems -- including body electronics, chassis and powertrain -- for every major vehicle manufacturer worldwide.
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs more than 23,000 associates in facilities across North America and reported sales of $6.6 billion in 2003. For more information, visit http://www.boschusa.com/ .