AUTOLINE SUPPLIER SYMPOSIUM 2016 - DAY TWO

EV Channels Review

This Autoline episode from the 2016 Supplier Symposium focuses on two key areas: Ford's extensive supplier diversity program and the evolving landscape of international trade agreements impacting the automotive sector. Carla Preston of Ford details the company's long-standing commitment to minority, women, and veteran-owned suppliers, highlighting their growth and integration into Ford's global supply chain. The discussion emphasizes that diverse suppliers are chosen for their merit, not just their diversity status, and notes the increasing opportunities in software and connected vehicle technologies for smaller, agile businesses. The second segment delves into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), featuring insights from Magna, Delphi, and the UK Department for Business. While acknowledging the complexities and potential impacts on suppliers, the consensus points to the necessity of free trade for competitiveness and the significant benefits of regulatory harmonization, particularly for emerging technologies like autonomous and electric vehicles. The episode also touches upon attracting new talent to the automotive industry and the advancements in connected vehicle technology, including V2V and V2X communication.