THE BRILLIANT AND ABYSMAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AUTOMAKERS AND SUPPLIERS - AAH 698

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours delves into the critical, yet often strained, relationships between automakers and their suppliers, featuring insights from Dave Andrea of Plante Moran's annual supplier survey. The discussion highlights a significant disparity in supplier satisfaction, with Toyota and Honda consistently leading due to their engineering-driven culture and focus on human relationships. Conversely, Ford and Stellantis languish at the bottom, struggling with supplier trust and fair treatment, a situation exacerbated by organizational changes and purchasing practices. The conversation also touches upon the increasing importance of supplier relationships in the EV transition, where access to new technologies and capacity is paramount. While legacy automakers face challenges in cost reduction and adapting to new business models, the episode underscores that strong supplier partnerships are not just beneficial but essential for long-term success, impacting quality, innovation, and overall competitiveness.