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Six Leading Automotive Suppliers to Explore B2B E-Business Initiatives

3 April 2000

Six Leading Automotive Suppliers to Explore B2B E-Business Initiatives DANA CORPORATION LOGO Dana Corporation logo. (PRNewsFoto)[DM] TOLEDO, OH USA 09/03/1999    

                 Group Supports Customers' Internet Efforts,
                    Plans to Study Complementary Solutions


    TOLEDO, Ohio, April 3 In a move responsive to the era of
the Internet, six leading automotive suppliers today announced plans to
conduct a joint study of business-to-business Internet-enabled technologies.
Through these efforts, each company intends to improve supply-chain
management, support the e-business efforts of its customers through
collaborative solutions, improve its competitive advantage by increasing speed
and responsiveness, and reduce costs at all levels of its value chains.
    The suppliers are Dana Corporation , Delphi Automotive Systems
Corporation (DPH), Eaton Corporation (ETN), Motorola Inc. (MOT), TRW Inc.
(TRW), and Valeo S.A. (PA: VLOF).
    The companies plan to address technology issues facing the industry and
identify business-to-business technology solutions.  Through their efforts
they hope to identify and implement technology solutions at lower costs,
resulting in greater benefits for each participant and its customers.
    Speaking on behalf of the participating suppliers, Dana President and CEO
Joe Magliochetti said, "This initiative will be complementary to initiatives
currently underway with all our customers.  The intent of this exploration is
to support and complement the activities of each participating supplier's
automotive original-equipment and aftermarket customers.  We will coordinate
with our customers to be sure that we are addressing cost savings and
efficiency opportunities across the entire supply chain of the automotive
manufacturing and independent aftermarket industries."
    The six companies have identified several areas of mutual interest to
explore the use of emerging e-business technologies to improve supply-chain
management, customer support initiatives, and independent aftermarket
activities.  Their representatives will meet to refine those objectives,
develop plans, and evaluate technology solutions.


    5 Comments from the Other Participants

        "Our customers and shareholders expect us to use Internet solutions to
    manage our supply chains, to reduce our costs, and to deliver new and
    innovative products.  We believe that by working together, this group will
    be able to identify ways to meet these expectations."
         --  J.T. Battenberg III
             Chairman, CEO and President
             Delphi Automotive Systems

        "We believe this joint effort can complement the e-commerce efforts of
    our customers, as well as accelerate those of our individual companies.
    By working together on joint technology solutions, we can avoid repetitive
    costs and establish common solutions that ultimately improve effectiveness
    throughout the supply chain.  Continued improvements to the supply chain
    are vital to helping our customers meet shifting consumer demands."
         --  Alexander Cutler
             President and COO
             Eaton Corporation

        "The group believes that the success of moving the automotive industry
    into the information age is reliant on participation at all levels.  This
    initiative is key to allowing the automotive suppliers to take a
    leadership role in working with vehicle manufacturers to rally the entire
    supply chain and develop standards for e-business transactions."
         --  Dennis Wilke
             Vice President, Strategy
             And Business Development
             Motorola Inc.

        "E-business presents unique opportunities to streamline operations and
    reduce costs, actions that clearly support the automotive industry's plan
    for a build-to-order vehicle.  As major suppliers, we believe we can more
    quickly establish meaningful standards and systems through this
    collaborative effort to improve supply-chain management.  This will
    ultimately be of tremendous value to us and to our OE customers."
          --  David M. Cote
              President and COO
              TRW Inc.

        "Our collaboration is further evidence of how the Internet is helping
    us connect to create value for our customers and shareholders.  It's an
    opportunity to cut costs, develop products faster, and reinforce
    standardization."
         --  Noel Goutard
             Chairman and CEO
             Valeo S.A.