SANYO Receives Two World Excellence Top Supplier Awards from FORD Motor Company

DETROIT, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SANYO proudly announces that two of its product groups that supply Ford Motor Company, the audio console and HEV hybrid car battery groups, have been awarded as top performing suppliers in 2010, receiving World Excellence Awards, Ford's highest recognition for suppliers around the globe in Ford's 13th annual awards event. Ford only awarded 15 Gold and 26 Silver Awards this year, and SANYO had the proud honor of receiving both a Gold (Audio) and Silver (HEV batteries) award. The awards are given out to supplier partners that achieve the highest level of excellence in quality, cost and delivery.

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Tony Brown, Ford group vice president, Global Purchasing, thanked Ford's supplier partners for their commitment to helping Ford deliver high-quality products to customers. "The One Ford transformation would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our suppliers. Our 2010 World Excellence Award winners have shown an unwavering commitment to excellence in technology, quality and cost efficiency. Congratulations, and thank you for helping Ford serve customers with the best vehicles in the world," said Brown.

The Gold Award for SANYO's audio products was the first time that the group was recognized with the World Excellence Awards. SANYO manufactures audio console factory or "stock" systems found in various Ford models.

In addition to supplying audio center stack consoles to Ford, SANYO manufactures a number of automotive technology products including smart communication devices such as inter-vehicle wireless communication, infotainment systems including center stack, navigation, and double screen displays, as well as safety and security products such as drowsy driver warning systems, panoramic camera, face recognition and surrounding view.

"Receiving the gold World Excellence Award is an incredible honor," said Reid Sigety, president of SANYO Automotive U.S.A., Inc. "Ford is on a trajectory of sustained excellence in every area measureable; to be recognized with the Gold Award is a testimony of SANYO's commitment to excellence, and to our relationship with Ford."

SANYO received a Silver Award as an HEV battery supplier. SANYO has had a relationship with Ford for research on HEV batteries dating back more than 12 years, with the first mass production HEV battery systems shipped to Ford in 2004. The award was recognition for SANYO's commitment to continuously improve the quality of its products and services to its customers.

"We started supplying Ford with mass production batteries back in 2004, and since then we have been shipping the batteries for Ford HEVs without a single delay or shortage in supply," said Toshiaki Mizota, president of the HEV Battery Division of SANYO Energy (USA) Corporation. "Earning an award again this year is a clear indication that the customer is satisfied with our quality, delivery and cost performance, and we are very grateful to the members of our HEV division in Japan and the United States for their daily efforts of creating innovative products, maintaining high quality production and punctual shipments to meet the customer's high expectations for just-in-time deliveries."

"Thanks to all of our World Excellence Award winners for the work you are doing to contribute to our mutual success and serve our global customers with the very best cards and trucks," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a global leading company providing solutions for energy, environment and lifestyle applications. SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has manufacturing, sales and service operations in North America. Products and services include solar panels, batteries, biomedical laboratory equipment, commercial and consumer air conditioners, digital projectors, home appliances, portable electronics and batteries, food showcases, etc. For further information, please visit SANYO's web site at http://us.SANYO.com.

SOURCE SANYO North America Corporation