Bangkok--19 Jul--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Successful Ford/Mazda Joint Venture Reaches Milestone, Underscoring Strength and Synergies of Ongoing Partnership - Strategic investment decision in 1995 helped support the Thai government's plan for the pickup to become 'product champion' of Thailand's automotive industry - Export program of world-class facility sends Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 pickups to more than 130 global markets - Since 1997, AAT has created over 13,500 jobs - Ceremonial one-millionth Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 pickups will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) — the successful joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation — today celebrated the historic milestone of one million units since it started production in 1998. Senior executives from AAT, Ford and Mazda joined AAT staff during a special event at the world-class Rayong facility, where a Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 symbolically shared the 'one millionth unit' designation. In the true spirit of collaboration and partnership at AAT, the two global automotive leaders decided the 'one millionth unit' would be a shared distinction, and focused the celebration on the overwhelming success and achievements of AAT's business and operations. AAT is one of the largest and most modern automotive manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia, exporting Ford and Mazda CBU (complete built-up) and CKD (complete knock-down) pickups to more than 130 markets around the world. Since 1997, it has created over 13,500 direct and indirect jobs. "This milestone is really the achievement of all partners working together to create a world-class enterprise — including Ford, Mazda, the Thai government, our suppliers and, of course, all of our AAT employees, who are responsible for our day-to-day operations," said Masamichi Kogai, president of AutoAlliance Thailand. "We’re proud that AAT has played such a key role in driving the one-ton pickup's success as the 'product champion' of Thailand's automotive industry." In order to keep up with increasing demand for the Ford and Mazda pickups in markets around the world, AAT will produce more than 175,000 total units this year, including a number of Ford Everest SUVs for both domestic and export markets. AAT also purchases approximately Baht 60.2 billion (US$1.72 billion) worth of components annually from 177 different suppliers — 166 of whom are Thai automotive component companies -- representing one of Thailand's largest auto supply networks. The facility currently employs about 3,500 staff, including engineers, technicians and skilled assembly operators. AAT actively promotes and facilitates human resources development, as well as occupational safety training for all staff, which has earned the facility numerous awards and recognition from both the Thai government and international standards organizations. "AutoAlliance Thailand is one of our most visible global success stories, and it continues to illustrate the synergies and strengths of the Ford-Mazda partnership," said Robert Graziano, executive vice president, Mazda Motor Corporation. “AAT will remain the core of our business strategy in the ASEAN region, and a reflection of our commitment to the continued growth of Thailand's auto industry. Also, AAT pickup trucks have won numerous awards globally, among them Car of the Year awards in Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and Russia. These awards bear testimony to the outstanding quality that our employees at AAT can deliver." Leveraging the collective practices of the Ford-Mazda partnership, AAT has helped set standards for auto manufacturing in the ASEAN region, through its ongoing commitment to international quality, standards and procedures. "Ford and Mazda have one of the most successful partnerships in the automotive industry, and clearly AAT has and will continue to be a win-win opportunity for both organizations. Our collaboration and ongoing commitment to growth in Thailand and the ASEAN region has never been stronger," asserted John Parker, group vice president, Ford Asia Pacific & Africa. In 1995, Ford and Mazda jointly identified Thailand as a strategic part of their investment and expansion plans in the Asia Pacific region, and laid the groundwork for AAT to establish Thailand as a global manufacturing hub to serve growing demands in both the domestic and export markets. Following its promotional privileges grant by the Board of Investment (BOI) the same year, AAT invested more than US$500 million to build Thailand's first state-of-the-art, integrated vehicle manufacturing plant. To date, more than US$1 billion has been invested in the expansive facility, which includes stamping, body construction, paint, engine, trim & final assembly, and CKD packing facilities, covering more than 529 rai (847,562 sq.m.) of land in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong province. In addition to its production successes, AAT and its staff continue to be actively involved in the development of surrounding communities, participating in programs that range from donations for education supplies and equipment, to volunteering for disaster relief assistance and environmental preservation initiatives.Donation to the Chaipattana Foundation In honor of the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 one-millionth units will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation to provide transportation for various programs and activities. The Chaipattana Foundation, chaired by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is a non- profit organization which undertakes His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s initiatives and provides sustainable support to underprivileged people. The Foundation is engaged in a broad spectrum of development projects ranging from social development to agricultural, environmental, energy, and natural resource management. For more information please contact: Bhuvadol Bhumithavorn Communications Executive Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Fax: 662+2056686-7 Direct: 662+2056608 Cell Phone:661+6117476 E-mail: [email protected]