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Yazaki North America Appoints First Women to Head Ford and DaimlerChrysler Business Units


PHOTO
Barbara Long

PHOTO
Colleen Haley

CANTON, Mich., Oct. 26, 2005 -- Yazaki North America, Inc. (YNA), a leading supplier of vehicle power and data solutions to the automotive industry, announced today the appointments of Colleen Haley and Barbara Long as presidents of its Ford and DaimlerChrysler Business Units, respectively. Their appointments make them the first women to hold the title of President in the history of the company. George Perry, president and CEO of Yazaki North America, announced their appointments.

As presidents, Haley and Long are directly responsible for Yazaki North America's current and future business with these two important original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. In addition, Haley and Long will serve as points-of-contact for decisions regarding Yazaki's global strategies and commitments to the automakers. Haley was previously Yazaki's vice president of Purchasing & Quality, and Long was vice president of its Alpha Group, serving heavy vehicle OEMs and YNA's customers that are tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry's OEMs.

"These two women are strong, effective leaders whose integrity, clear vision and strategic focus will enhance our efforts to move Yazaki and its customers toward greater success," said Perry. "Yazaki will benefit greatly from their leadership and management capability."

Haley joined Yazaki North America in 2000 as vice president, Human Resources and General Affairs and was appointed vice president, Purchasing in 2002. Her responsibility was increased to include YNA's Corporate Quality leadership in 2004. Prior to joining YNA, Haley was general manager of the component division of Alcoa Fujikura Ltd., AFL Integrated Technologies.

Long has led the company's Alpha Group since 2003 and is credited with positioning that group of businesses on a track toward profitable growth. She has served in a number of executive positions in support of Yazaki's Chrysler group business over the past 20 years and understands that customer well.

Yazaki Corporation is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions, as well as advanced electronic technologies for vehicle applications. Yazaki produces electrical distribution systems, fiber optics, instrumentation, solid-state power centers, connection systems and electronics. Worldwide, the company employs over 150,000 people in 37 countries, 1,500 of whom are based in the company's North American headquarters and research center campus in Canton, Michigan. For more information on Yazaki, log onto http://www.yazaki-na.com/ .