OREANDA-NEWS. September 30, 2015. CEOs from more than 90 of Ford’s top suppliers have attended a special meeting at the Design Centre in Cologne, Merkenich, where Jim Farley, Executive Vice President and President of Europe, Middle East and Africa gave an update on the current business situation in Europe.

“We are on track with our One Ford plan in Europe,” said Farley. “The health of the business is improving considerably, we are moving to solid growth in the commercial segment, and we’re paying more attention to the profit pools, like SUVs, premium segment and performance cars.”

Farley also invited the suppliers to share their creative thinking with Ford. “How we work together is really a key differentiator for our future,” he said

The meeting was organized by Ford of Europe Purchasing to emphasise the role suppliers play in the production process and to forge stronger relationships.

Werner P?tz, vice president, Purchasing Ford of Europe, said: “About 70 per cent of the value of a car is generated by the suppliers. That’s why you are all so important to us.”

Also attending the meeting were Ford Motor Company Group vice president Global Purchase, Hau Thai-Tang, and vice president Purchasing, Birgit Behrendt, alongside almost the complete European Operating Committee.

In a short ceremony two suppliers received a special recognition: Energy Company BP and Facil, specialist in fastening technologies, received a Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Award for their initiatives to take diversity and inclusion to the next level by developing innovative programs that enable and encourage their employees to thrive at work.

Guests had the opportunity to have a closer look at some of Ford’s newest products on display, including the stunning Focus RS and the Ford Mustang. Further product news came from Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe, who gave a glimpse into the future, revealing some details of the latest Ford products in the pipeline.

Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe, also had good news, confirming in addition to the stable market share, that Ford is now No. 1 in the European commercial vehicle market.

Ford of Europe chief operating officer Barb Samardzich also looked ahead with optimism as she talked about the challenges of continuing urbanisation, which is changing consumer attitudes. The answer to these challenges is smart mobility, with combinations of different transport means supported by smart phone apps, and new experiments in flexible use of cars and shared ownership.  As these are now very exciting times for new experiments she invited the suppliers and even small start-ups with creative people to take their chance and make the best of these new opportunities.