Date: 30 October 2003
The Magnolia Award was created in 1989 to honor foreign citizens who have aided Shanghai in its development. It is named for the early blooming white magnolia, whose "eye always looks toward the sky," and has symbolized Shanghai's pioneering and enterprising spirit since being named the official flower in 1986. It is the highest honor a foreigner can receive in Shanghai. Meszaros was honored as one of 34 recipients of the Silver Magnolia Award for his contributions to the growth of the automotive industry in Shanghai. He was nominated by Yanfeng Visteon's joint venture (JV) partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC).
"Since the establishment of Yanfeng Visteon, Visteon has consistently supported the development of the JV while paying high respect to China's culture and people," said Chen Xianglin, chairman, SAIC. "The unparalleled professionalism and working attitude of Visteon's expatriates have been highly respected by their Chinese colleagues. We are proud of cooperating with such an outstanding partner."
Meszaros joined Ford Motor Co. in 1986 as an advanced manufacturing engineer at the Sandusky Plant in Ohio, USA. After four years, he moved to Dearborn, Michigan, USA, where he held a variety of positions in business development and product engineering in the area of plastics and trim parts. He then served as area manager in Ford's Trim Operations in Utica, Michigan, USA.
In 1996, he relocated to Europe to work as a vehicle line manager, where he was responsible for launching the Ford Focus program. Subsequently, he directed Visteon's Interior systems business in the U.K. and Germany. His experience in Interiors was instrumental in his relocation to China in 2001 to serve as general manager of Yanfeng Visteon, where he has led the rapid development of the company's capability to design, manufacture and deliver complete vehicle interiors for the growing Chinese market. In 2002, Yanfeng Visteon received the "Golden Quality Award" from the Shanghai Government for achieving the number one ranking among all nominated enterprises for excellence in product and process quality.
Meszaros holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as well as a master's degree in manufacturing systems engineering from Stanford University.
Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has approximately 75,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180 technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25 countries.
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