SUPPLIERS GIVE TOYOTA THUMBS UP, STELLANTIS THUMBS DOWN - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 2613

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week delves into the critical relationships between automotive suppliers and manufacturers, presenting findings from Plante Moran's annual supplier survey. The discussion highlights a significant divergence in supplier satisfaction, with Toyota and Honda consistently ranking high, while General Motors and Ford occupy the middle ground. A major focus is Stellantis, which has seen a dramatic plummet in its supplier relations index. This decline is attributed to aggressive terms and conditions, demands for immediate price cuts, intellectual property grabs, and the ongoing integration challenges between PSA and FCA. The program emphasizes the paramount importance of trust, built on realistic expectations, accountability, and information sharing, as essential for navigating industry-wide crises like chip shortages and supply chain disruptions. The conversation also touches upon the evolving landscape of electrification, the complexities of battery supply chains, and the need for automakers to develop new expertise in commodity markets and direct raw material sourcing. The importance of buyer knowledge and stable purchasing teams is also underscored, with Toyota and Honda noted for their success in retaining experienced personnel.