OREANDA-NEWS. Honda honored more than 64 North American auto suppliers for their achievements in supplying parts for Honda and Acura vehicles at the 31st annual Honda Supplier Conference, held April 23, in Columbus, Ohio, as the company recommits itself and its supplier partners to achieving new levels of quality and value for its customers.

"The concept of value is determined by the customer, and that value is based on our ability – Honda and our suppliers together – to deliver in terms of quality, cost and delivery," said Tom Lake, vice president for North American Purchasing at Honda North America, Inc. (HNA). "Only by making long-lasting, durable products can we create long-lasting, durable relationships with our customers."

The annual supplier awards recognition event was attended by representatives of Honda's 682 North American suppliers, that combined in 2014 to provide a record \$26.3 billion worth of parts for the more than 1.8 million Honda and Acura passenger vehicles Honda produced last year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Lake noted that 2015 is being celebrated as "The Year of Honda" with a number of pinnacle new product introductions taking place this year, including the Acura NSX supercar; the HondaJet aircraft; and Honda's return to Formula One auto racing – as well as major new models such as the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V crossover, a new 2016 Honda Pilot and 2016 Honda Civic.

Jon Minto, senior vice president of Engineering Planning at HNA, called on suppliers to continue adding flexibility and agility into their manufacturing operations in order to keep up with the increasing complexities involved in meeting expanding customer tastes and regulatory requirements.

"Being an agile manufacturer enhances the value of your production characteristics, elevates your competitive advantage and supports our customers," said Minto.

Mat Hargett, vice president of Acura Development at Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and Mark Willoughby, division manager, North American Procurement, called on suppliers to help Honda create new value for its customers by fulfilling Honda's fundamental reputation for quality.

"Honda R&D Americas is taking on even greater responsibilities within our global R&D operations, leading development of some critical new global models, like the upcoming 2016 Civic," Hargett said. "We are challenged with developing new technologies that give joy to our customers while addressing societal concerns such as safety and the environment -- all while taking our quality to new levels."

Willoughby addressed activity by Honda and its suppliers to improve quality. "We know from experience that outstanding quality performance is an essential part of competitiveness as well as supplier success," he said.