Made in Italy Vimi Fasteners

corporate responsibility and Grupo Antolin of Spain were granted an award for excellence in their business framework principles.

Global supply-base expansion

For the fourth consecutive year Ford has exceeded its sourcing goals for its ‘Supplier Diversity Development’ programme. Ford aims to source at least 10 per cent of its US purchases from minority, women and veteranowned businesses. In 2013 Ford purchased $6.5 billion in goods and services from minority-owned suppliers. Ford encourages its diverse suppliers to expand their business operations globally and enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“For over 35 years, Ford has been committed to growing and strengthening its relationships with its diverse suppliers,” said Carla Preston, Supplier Diversity Development Director. “Through our Supplier Diversity Development programme, we are contributing to the greater good, leading to new opportunities for economic expansion and job growth globally.” Mustang heralds new models for Europe

One of the most eagerly awaited events in the motoring calendar this year was the launch of the all-new Ford Mustang, which was showcased in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Champion’s football league final in May this year. The first 500 of the 2015 Ford Mustang Models destined for Europe were reserved in just 30 seconds. This is the first time in Ford’s long history that the Mustang has been sold across Europe. “We knew that there was huge excitement building for the new Ford Mustang coming to Europe, but the response during the UCL cup final was overwhelming,” commented Roelant de Ward, Ford’s vice president in Europe for marketing, sales and service.

The latest Mustang offers an impressive line-up of engines, including the Shelby GT500, which is the most powerful production V8 engine in the world. This supercharged 5.8L engine is capable of more than 200 miles per hour on the track. There is also a 305 horsepower V6 and a 5.0L version that pumps out a potent 420 horsepower and 390lb-ft of torque. All these advanced engines are mated to Ford’s advanced six-speed transmissions.

Other European ‘trail-blazers’ include the new Ford Fiesta ST with its aggressive styling and a performance to match that achieves 0–62 in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 139mph (224km/h. Another newcomer is Ford’s Ecosport, which is a smart, powerful and fuel-efficient vehicle that features SYNC with AppLink that enables you to access your smart-phone’s apps on the move. It’s an entirely new type of SUV.

Smart solutions

Smart technology solutions are to be found throughout Ford’s extensive product range and the most recent of these innovative, high–technology products is its ‘advanced steering technology’ which improves ‘steering feel’ at all speeds, making the vehicle easier to manoeuvre and more enjoyable to drive. The new steering technology is housed entirely within the steering wheel

and offers a smart solution that benefits drivers in all driving conditions.

This new generation of Ford smart steering technology helps to make vehicles easier to manoeuvre at slow speeds and in tight spaces.

At higher speeds, the new technology will help to make the vehicle more agile and more fun to drive. The new adaptive steering device from Ford will be available on selected vehicles from early next year. This unique system was developed for production by Ford in collaboration with Takata, a leading supplier of automotive steering and safety systems, which is a Ford Aligned Business Framework partner. n

For further details of Fords latest innovative products and services visit: www.ford.com

MADE IN ITALY

Sophisticated technology, reliable quality, a wealth of experience, lean production, continuous improvement and organisational excellence, all of this is encompassed by Vimi Fasteners SpA, which, as Barbara Rossi finds out, is a global leader in the production and sales of mechanical fasteners.

With its 190 employees, €35 million turnover and 18,500m2 site in Novellara (near Reggio Emilia, northern Italy) Vimi Fasteners is a leader in the production and sales of mechanical fasteners (special screws and double-end stud bolts) for a broad range of high technology industrial applications for engines, turbo compressors, exhaust systems, rockers and transmission and braking systems (used in the automotive, industrial, marine, aviation, agricultural and construction sectors).

Vimi Fasteners is a solid player in its industry. In fact, in over 40 years of activity in Italy and abroad the company has accrued a wealth of experience and skills which make it one of the most qualified producers in the fasteners sector. It is an undisputed leader at the global level, thanks to its production specialism, continuous technological innovation, organisational excellence and deep knowledge of application sectors. During its long business life the company has established a deep bond of trust and collaboration with both its suppliers and its clients. Vimi Fasteners looks after the latter by fulfilling all their service, innovation and quality needs, so as to meet, together with them, the competitive challenge of the global market.

In 2008, Vimi enlarged its plant with a modern and innovative department for thermal treatment; this is equipped with belt