WABCO named among strongest industry suppliers

Facing its most difficult operating environment in history, the automotive parts industry provides an opportunity for a few suppliers to emerge leaner, stronger, more financially stable and more competitive than ever before, according to The Smart Cube’s analysis of financial metrics of 98 companies that are domiciled and publicly listed in the U.S.

The Trucker News Services

6/30/2009

BRUSSELS — WABCO Holdings Inc., a tier-one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, said it has been identified as one of the five strongest and most financially stable companies in the U.S. automotive parts industry. The new report is by The Smart Cube, a global independent research firm.

Facing its most difficult operating environment in history, the automotive parts industry provides an opportunity for a few suppliers to emerge leaner, stronger, more financially stable and more competitive than ever before, according to The Smart Cube’s analysis of financial metrics of 98 companies that are domiciled and publicly listed in the United States.

“The best companies have maintained a strong liquidity position despite the slowdown in global demand for cars and commercial vehicles. Out of this severe market turmoil, a handful of new winners will emerge,” said Theodore Kim, CFA and managing director of The Smart Cube. “When this shakeout is over, WABCO looks most likely to succeed due to its increased focus on emerging markets, stronger strategic alliances, and track record of outperforming the industry average on key financial metrics.”

The company credits its foresight in being prepared for the prodiction downturn.

“We anticipated this unprecedented storm in our industry. As a result, we moved quickly to mitigate adverse market conditions and adjust our cost structure to our industry’s new reality, without compromising our commitment to our strategy of technology leadership, global expansion and excellence in execution,” said Jacques Esculier, WABCO chairman and CEO.

The Smart Cube provides customized business intelligence to major investment banks, hedge funds, corporations and management consultancies throughout the world. Headquartered in London, the firm has offices in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Timisoara and New Delhi.

WABCO Vehicle Control Systems is supplies safety and control systems for commercial vehicles. For more than 140 years, WABCO has developed electronic, mechanical and mechatronic technologies for braking, stability, and transmission automation systems supplied to the world’s leading commercial truck, trailer, and bus manufacturers. With sales of $2.6 billion in 2008, WABCO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.

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