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

"Matson is truly honored to receive this recognition from GM, one of our most valued customers," said Andrasick. "Since 1999, Matson has carried 100 percent of GM's vehicles from the U.S. Mainland to Hawai'i and Guam, as well as vehicles returning to the mainland under GM's Remarketing program. Matson has worked closely with GM over the past seven years to continuously improve the transportation and distribution strategy for the Hawai'i and Guam markets."

Recent initiatives for GM include the design and implementation of AutoTrack as a pilot for GM in 2003, which is now used system-wide. In addition, Matson has introduced VINsight which provides accurate real time reporting for auto shipments. Matson has also significantly increased its ro-ro capacity in recent years, as part of an overall auto strategy. In addition, the company now offers direct weekly service to and from Kahului, Maui and bi-weekly service to and from Hilo, Hawai'i. It also added an acre of private land at Kahului to provide additional auto capacity for the eastbound vehicles.

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.