Ford is adding 13 new companies to its Aligned Business Framework (ABF), bringing to 90 the total number of key component and service suppliers.
The US automaker has added to the ABF list since it started in 2005 with seven companies to establish closer co-operation between the manufacturer and its supply base,
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It now features 67 production and 23 non-production suppliers from around the world.
“Strong supplier relationships are embedded in the principles of the ONE Ford plan,” said group vice president, global purchasing Tony Brown.
“By increasing our ABF network, Ford is building a strong foundation of suppliers that are helping us transform our products into a global portfolio of cars and trucks.”
Last year, around half of Ford’s global production purchases were sourced to ABF suppliers, up from 34% in 2006.
Some 80% of the next-generation Ford Focus parts will be common around the world, providing global economies of scale to suppliers with the programme..
The new group of ABF suppliers represents an international cross-section, including companies providing tyres, powertrain machined parts, safety and restraint systems, chassis components, lighting and mirrors.
The 13 companies are: Akebono; Automotive Lighting; Benteler Automobiltechnik; Brembo; Federal Mogul Corporation; Gentex; GKN; Hayes Lemmerz International; Key Safety Systems; Michelin; Ronal; Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec and Takata Holdings.
