“We are honored to receive GM’s 2018 Coveted Supplier Innovation Award”, says Lucien Van Riel, general director of Automotive and Avionics Application Division. “This award recognizes our R&D innovation of GO BLACK technology, as well as outstanding quality assurance and delivery performance to ensure a successful result for GM.”

Innolux were among just four suppliers to receive the coveted Innovation Award, which was chosen by a global team of GM purchasing, engineering, quality, manufacturing and logistics executives. Winners were selected based on performance criteria in Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales, and Logistics.

“We are proud to be one of GM’s long-term partners for the past 8 years, and an honour to be recognised by our customers for our innovation,” said Lucien Van Riel. Lucien quoted the dots on the innovation, stating “Innolux developed an innovative approach to mask reflectivity in touch panel displays, creating a uniform solid black appearance when power is off.”

“ Innolux's two-year research and development, with exclusive optical technology, strongly decreases the color difference between the panel screen and the frame, to achieve the ultimate black aesthetics, Innolux go black technology allows GM's top customers to enjoy the artistic level of visual taste enjoyment. Lucien said, I could not be more proud of the R&D, engineering and sales teams who have worked tirelessly to build a very strong partnership with General Motors.”

Lucien revealed that GM and Innolux signed a 5-year US $billions contract starting 2019. As the automotive panel take 2-3 year certification, it is expected to have a substantial sales contribution starting 2021.

During the event, GM recognized 133 of its best suppliers from 15 countries that have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value or introduced innovations to the company.

“We hold our suppliers to a high bar,” said Steve Kiefer, GM senior vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “They went above and beyond to deliver the innovations and quality that will help us earn customers for life.”