Dow and Others Named to World's Most Admired Companies' List by Fortune
March 13, 2013

by Jenna Reed, jreed@glass.com

Dow Chemical, of which Dow Automotive is a part, made the "World's Most Admired Companies" list recently released by Fortune.

Terry Radcliff, global commercial director for Dow Automotive Systems Aftermarket, tells glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR™, "Dow is very pleased to be recognized as one of the 'World's Most Admired Companies' by Fortune Magazine. Our people are committed to creating solutions for society based on Dow's strength in science and technology and we look forward to delivering reliable, high quality glass replacement systems to help our global customers succeed."

Also making Fortune's list is PPG, which owns a minority stake in Pittsburgh Glass Works.

Other automotive companies, including BMW, Toyota, and Volkswagen, are reporting higher sales and responded about making the list to glassBYTEs.com™, as well. Their trend of higher sales shows promise for the glass industry at large that things are picking up.

Auto manufacturers played key roles on Fortune's list this year, with BMW grabbing No. 14, Toyota taking No. 29 and VW coming in at 33. Vehicle sales have been on the upswing of late as the economy continues to recover from the market fallout in 2008.

For instance, BMW just recently reported best-ever February sales. Overall, 133,630 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce (which also made the list) brand vehicles were delivered worldwide for the month. And a record 256,929 vehicles have been delivered to customers as of the start of the year.

"In February the BMW Group achieved another healthy increase in sales and we intend to continue the positive development with exciting new models throughout the year," says Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG.

Commenting on his company's ranking at No. 14, Ludwig Willisch, president and CEO of BMW North America, tells glassBYTEs.com, "Few honors equal being named among the 'World's Most Admired.' This, combined with eight years listed as the most sustainable car company, according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, emphasizes how serious BMW is in defining premium as not just the products we design, engineer and manufacture but also how we live as a corporate citizen."

Meanwhile, hitting No. 29 on the list is Toyota.

Toyota Motor Sales USA moved 166,377 vehicles in February, up 8.7 percent over the same month last year.

In a conference call discussing sales results, Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division, notes, "In closing, the stability we saw in February in the face of a number of challenges is a good indication of the overall strength of the market as we head into the spring selling season. We believe we are well-positioned as the most fuel-efficient full-line manufacturer to address consumer concerns about rising gas prices."

Julie Hamp, Toyota's chief communications officer, tells glassBYTEs.com™, "We are humbled by this recognition in Fortune, which is one of the most respected rankings of company reputation in the world. This affirms that our customer first approach, our contribution to a better society and our continuous drive to do better, guides us on the right path."

Coming in at No. 33 on the list is VW. The company's American division reported its best-ever February sales since 1973.

"February's sales results and 30 consecutive months of growth reflects increasing consumer interest in our products," says Jonathan Browning, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. "With a full range of fuel-efficient vehicles, seven of which deliver more than 40 mpg on the highway and the best start to a year in 29 years, we anticipate continued strong demand for our vehicles into the spring selling season."

For the full list of "World's Most Admired Companies," click here.

This story is an original story by AGRR™ magazine/glassBYTEs.com™. Subscribe to AGRR™ Magazine.
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