Faurecia said that its 'Emission Control Technologies’ business unit has been nominated as strategic partner for the Future Automotive Supplier Track (FAST) initiative of the Volkswagen Group, according to a company press release on 24 May. The company’s other two business units – Automotive Seating and Interior Systems – were nominated for the German automotive group’s FAST initiative in 2015. "To be selected as strategic partner by the Volkswagen Group is a great honour for us and makes us proud. The close partnership with Volkswagen, one of our major customers, significantly contributes to the development and use of innovative leading-edge technology in the field of exhaust systems,” said Christophe Schmitt, executive vice-president of Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies.
Significance: Volkswagen Group started FAST initiative in February 2015. Under the initiative, the company collaborates with a network of preferred suppliers for development of new products and technologies that will be used by its group companies globally. In August 2014, Volkswagen nominated its first 44 suppliers who will be collaborating with the automaker on a new common strategic level under its FAST initiative. This included several global suppliers such as Delphi (for ADAS), MAHLE (HVAC), Brose (door module), Sumitomo Electric (wiring harness), Faurecia (seat structures, instrument panel), Grupo Antolin (headliner), ZF (damper), Continental AG (adaptive cruise control), Gestamp (Chassis sub-frame front), Aisin AW (automatic transmissions), LG Electronics (infotainment, batteries), Valeo (alternators), Honeywell (turbocharger), Magna (axle drives), and thyssenkrupp (Assembled camshafts). Volkswagen continues to expand the list of preferred suppliers under its FAST initiative. Volkswagen is Faurecia’s biggest customer; the French supplier generated 19.8% of 2015 sales from the German automotive group.
