Johnson Controls Ranked as Top-performing Automotive Interior Supplier
12 August 1999
Industry Opinion Leaders Rank Johnson Controls as World's Top-performing Automotive Interior Supplier
In Survey of 1,800 Professionals, Firm Also Gains Praise
as Leading Electronics Supplier and Systems Integrator
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Aug. 12 -- The survey says Johnson Controls
is the world's top vehicle interior supplier for 1999. In an
independent poll of 1,800 automotive OE customers, the company was ranked as
the "best of the best" among automotive interior suppliers -- and was
recognized among the top systems integrators and electronics systems
suppliers.
The study was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Automotive
Industries magazine, as part of the second annual Quest for Excellence Awards
Program.
Individuals polled included people involved in vehicle design,
engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and management. These industry opinion
leaders evaluated the performance of automotive suppliers in quality, price,
delivery, service and innovation. Companies were ranked on a "one to five"
scale in each area (with five being best). Total scores were derived from the
average rating earned on the five criteria.
In the "interiors" category, Johnson Controls -- with a 3.41 score --
ranked first, ahead of Donnelly, Visteon, Magna, Collins & Aikman and Textron.
The company's outstanding track record in all areas -- especially quality,
price and delivery -- led to the first-place ranking for 1999.
"We're pleased to be viewed -- in the eyes of our customers and other
industry officials -- as the world's top interior supplier," said Rande Somma,
president of marketing and development for Johnson Controls.
"Poll results -- and other honors that we've gained -- confirm that our
outstanding efforts in the areas of cost, quality, delivery, technology, and
innovation have high value for our customers," he said. "Johnson Controls is
meeting its mission of exceeding customer expectations."
The 1999 survey results mark the second year in a row Johnson Controls was
cited among the industry's leading interior suppliers and systems integrators.
In addition, the company this year also earned honors in the "electronic
systems supplier" category. It is one of the first automotive interior firms
to be cited in the annual study as a leading electronics supplier.
Companies that gained top rankings in the survey were honored with Quest
for Excellence awards last night, at a special dinner ceremony that was held
at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.
The Quest for Excellence Awards Program has been likened to the movie
industry's Oscar awards. Peers in the industry rate suppliers' work, and then
select the best performers for the year. In the annual poll, customers that
are served by the companies being evaluated act as judges, giving the awards
program significant credibility and relevance for the supplier community.
Here are the standards survey respondents used to evaluate automotive
suppliers in the various categories:
* Quality: Consistently met or exceeded the customer's standards;
* Price: Met or exceeded the target pricing requirements;
* Innovation: continuously suggested innovative concepts and solutions;
* Delivery: Provided consistent, dependable delivery of prototypes,
products, materials and services; and
* Service: Responded quickly and effectively to customer requests.
PriceWaterhouseCoopers is a leading, international professional services
organization. Automotive Industries is a monthly trade magazine that focuses
on the global automotive industry.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive operations of Johnson Controls
will supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles in 1999 and
achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls,
founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1998
totaled US$12.6 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and
additional company information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web
at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, Inc., 734-254-5632
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
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