TROY, Mich., (Mar. 22, 2005) — The chief of one of North America’s leading automotive and heavy-duty component suppliers was honoured by the Detroit Regional Chamber last week.

Charles G. “Chip” McClure, chairman, CEO and president of ArvinMeritor, was named World Trader of the Year at the Chamber’s International Consular Ball. The award is given annually to recognize an individual or company that has demonstrated exceptional involvement and made significant contributions in the promotion of international trade.

In a speech that night, McClure said that in order to continue economic growth, global corporations must continue to push for free trade around the world. “As Michigan and the U.S. economies continue to gain momentum toward recovery, it has never been more important to embrace a dynamic global economy and global trade,” said McClure. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s population — and 80 percent of the world’s economy — is outside U.S. borders. Competing in overseas markets fuels economic growth and job creation at home.”

Practicing what he’s preaching, McClure’s ArvinMeritor is focusing on global expansion — recently opening a new facility in Poland. In Asia, ArvinMeritor has 24 facilities, in seven countries, with approximately 2,100 employees. McClure said he had visited more than 35 of ArvinMeritor’s locations in his first seven months since assuming the helm of ArvinMeritor.

McClure also touched on a number of relevant topics during his speech, including the boom of emerging markets in China and India; and the harm in steel-trade barriers.

“Global trade also means fundamental fair trade — specifically as it relates to trade barriers and trade protection that benefits one industry to the disadvantage of another,” he said. “Many of us are currently experiencing this locally as a result of the recent trade protections that have supported the U.S. steel industry. This action caused our industry to deal with availability issues as well as severe cost increases.”