PLYMOUTH TWP., Mich., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Hella KGaA Hueck & Company was presented the General Motors 2006 Supplier of the Year award for its overall business performance in providing GM with world-class parts and services. The 15th annual award -- themed the "Best of the Best" -- was given during ceremonies Saturday, March 31, at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

"We are proud to honor Hella as one of the 'Best of the Best' GM suppliers in 2006," said Bo Andersson, GM group vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. "Hella achieved the award based on outstanding performance in 2006. We appreciate their energy, hard work and dedication to the success of GM."

"This significant recognition by one of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers is quite an honor for our company and our employees," said Steve Widdett, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing, Hella North America. "It underscores our commitment to providing high-quality electronics and lighting and developing new, innovative technologies for our customers."

Hella was honored by GM in the field of automotive lighting and body control modules.

The GM Supplier of the Year award began as a global program in 1992. Winners are selected by a global team of executives from purchasing, engineering, manufacturing and logistics who base their decisions on supplier performance in quality, service, technology and price. This year, General Motors honored 89 suppliers for their outstanding performance throughout 2006.

Hella, a global supplier, develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry, including driver- assistance systems enhancing safety and comfort. In addition, its joint- venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle-electric systems. Hella is also one of the world's largest companies selling automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. Annual consolidated sales for the Hella Group total $4.4 billion.

Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. More than 24,000 people are employed in 70 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint-venture companies. Nearly 2,900 Hella engineers and technicians work in research and development. Customers include all of the world's leading automakers and system manufacturers, as well as the automotive aftermarket.

Additional information is available at www.hella.com.

Web site: http://www.hella.com/